Tugboat Detained in Bintulu for Violations – Maritime Authorities Urge Compliance with Maritime Laws

(Bintulu, 4th) — A tugboat was detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Bintulu Maritime Enforcement Zone in Bintulu waters for failing to comply with its license conditions.

This enforcement operation was carried out at 2:00 pm on the 2nd of this month, approximately 0.38 nautical miles southwest of Batu Kura-Kura, as part of the joint enforcement operations “OP TIRIS 3.0” and “OP PERMAI 01/2019”.

Captain Muhammad Sufian, Director of the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement Zone, stated in a press release today that officers intercepted and inspected the tugboat during a routine patrol.

Initial investigations revealed the tugboat was operated by 8 crew members, including an Indonesian captain aged between 23 and 48.

Muhammad Sufian said the vessel owner is suspected of violating Section 22(2A) of the 1952 Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO), which is failing to notify the registrar in writing about the change of captain, resulting in outdated certificate information. Upon conviction, the penalty can be a fine of up to RM2,500.

The enforcement officers subsequently brought the tugboat and its crew to the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement Zone’s Detention Center for further investigation.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency reminds all shipping operators to always comply with maritime safety regulations and relevant laws to avoid unnecessary incidents.

For any maritime emergencies, reports, or information, the public may seek assistance via the 999 hotline, or by contacting the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement Zone Operations Center (086-314254) / Sarawak State Maritime Enforcement Headquarters (082-432544).