(Miri, 2nd) The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Malaysian Maritime) Miri Maritime Enforcement Zone detained a tugboat yesterday about 4 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Baram, as the boat failed to present legal documents during inspection.
Miri Maritime Enforcement Zone Director, Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar bin Saad, pointed out that the enforcement action was conducted around 12:30 p.m. yesterday by the maritime patrol team during a joint operation of 'OP PERMAI 01/2019' and 'OP TIRIS 3.0'.
He stated that the tugboat, along with 3 crew members including the captain, was detained. These 3 individuals are two local men and one Indonesian man, aged between 39 and 53 years old. The tugboat was later escorted to the Miri Vessel Detention Center (PTV), and handed over to a maritime investigation officer for further investigation.
This case is currently being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 for the shipowner's failure to provide related documents for a change of captain. Additionally, it is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1956 for one person's misuse of a social visit pass and not possessing a valid work permit.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency emphasizes that it will continue to strengthen patrol and monitoring efforts to combat any illegal and maritime criminal activities in Malaysia's waters.
The maritime enforcement agency also urges the public to contact the Miri Maritime Enforcement Zone Operations Center at 085-649 111, the Sarawak State Maritime Enforcement Unit at 082-432544 / 082-432016, or call the emergency hotline 999 if they have any information, wish to file a complaint, or encounter an emergency situation at sea.