Unreported Captain Change: White Passenger Ship Detained in Bintulu Waters

(Bintulu, 11th) The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's Bintulu Maritime Enforcement District detained a white passenger ship suspected of failing to report a change of captain in waters about one nautical mile northwest of the Kemena River mouth this morning.

Captain Muhammad Sufian Aldine, head of the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement District, stated that the enforcement action was part of the patrol missions “Op PERMAI 01/2019” and “Op TIRIS 3.0”. The enforcement vessel conducted an inspection on this passenger ship heading towards the Kemena River.

Preliminary investigations showed that the ship was operated by two local crew members, aged 50 and 24 respectively.

The passenger ship is suspected of violating Section 477(2) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 by not accurately reporting the change of captain to port officials. If convicted, the offense will result in a fine or an administrative penalty.

The ship and its crew have been taken to the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement District's vessel detention center, and further investigations by maritime enforcement officers are underway.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency reminds all maritime operators to always comply with relevant laws and safety operation procedures to reduce the risk of accidents.

For any reports on maritime safety, illegal activities, or emergencies, the public can call the national emergency hotline 999, or contact the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement District Operations Center at (086-314 254) or the Sarawak State Maritime Enforcement Center at (082-432544) for immediate response.