(MIRI, 7th) Despite the public still being immersed in the festive atmosphere of Eid, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's Miri Maritime Enforcement Zone remained diligently on duty, successfully detaining a tugboat approximately 3.9 nautical miles northwest of Lutong yesterday for allegedly violating the 1952 Merchant Shipping Ordinance.
According to Miri Maritime Enforcement Zone Director Captain Maritim Mohd Khairol Anuar bin Saad, the tugboat was intercepted by enforcement personnel at around 10:30 AM during a joint patrol operation under "Operation Special Shield of the Sea 1/2025" (Op Khas Pagar Laut 1/2025), "Operation Harmony 01/2019" (Op Permai 01/2019), "Operation Eastern Dragon" (Op Naga Timur), and "Anti-Smuggling Operation 3.0" (Op Tiris 3.0).
"Upon inspection, it was found that the management of the tugboat failed to comply with regulations to notify port officials of the change of the captain, which violates the 1952 Merchant Shipping Ordinance."
He added that the tugboat, along with three local male crew members aged between 23 and 45, have been taken to the Miri Vessel Detention Center (PTV Miri) for further investigation.
Khairol Anuar emphasized that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency will continue to enhance enforcement and patrol efforts to ensure maritime laws in our waters are adhered to.
The authorities also urge the public to report any suspicious activities or emergency situations at sea by calling the emergency hotline 999, or by directly contacting the Miri Maritime Enforcement Zone Operations Center (085-649111) and the Sarawak State Maritime Enforcement Operations Center (082-432544 / 082-432016).
