Maritime Authorities Detain Tugboat for Violating Regulations and Lacking Required Documents

(Miri, 3rd) The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Miri Maritime Zone, carried out an enforcement operation yesterday afternoon and successfully detained a tugboat suspected of violating regulations.

Miri Maritime Zone Director Mohamad Khairo stated that at around 2:30 PM yesterday afternoon, enforcement personnel conducted an inspection operation in waters approximately 2.4 nautical miles west of Sungai Miri and intercepted the tugboat in question.

He said that upon inspection, the tugboat was unable to produce documentation related to the vessel's stability as requested by enforcement officers, thus breaching the 1952 Merchant Shipping Ordinance.

Further checks revealed that the tugboat was operated by a captain and eight crew members, all of whom were Indonesian nationals, aged between 25 and 58.

The enforcement officers then escorted the tugboat back to the Miri Maritime Zone detention center, arriving at around 4:00 PM, and handed it over to investigating officers for further investigation.

Mohamad Khairo reminded ship owners and vessel operators to ensure that all relevant documents are complete and valid before going to sea. "Failing to comply with regulations is not only illegal but may also endanger navigation safety and the lives of crew members."

He urged the public that if they observe any suspicious maritime activities, they may contact the Miri Maritime Zone Operations Center (085-649111) or the Sarawak Maritime Operations Center (082-432544 / 082-432016), or call the 999 emergency hotline to report.