Non-compliance with License Terms Tugboat Detained in Bintulu Waters

(Bintulu, 12th) The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's Bintulu Maritime Enforcement Zone detained a tugboat suspected of violating license terms in the waters approximately one nautical mile northwest of the Kemena River mouth this morning.

Bintulu Maritime Enforcement Zone Director, Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine, stated that the white tugboat was inspected by enforcement personnel during the "Op PERMAI 01/2019" and "Op TIRIS 3.0" patrol operations. At the time of the incident, the ship was heading from Kudat, Sabah to Bintulu waters, towing a barge loaded with timber.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the tugboat was operated by six crew members, including a Myanmar captain, two local crew members, and two Indian crew members, aged between 26 to 64.

The boat is suspected of violating Section 65F(2) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which concerns providing information that is false or not in accordance with the Domestic Navigation License by the owner or master of the ship. If convicted, such violations can be fined up to RM 2,500.

The involved vessel and crew have been brought back to the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement Zone Vessel Detention Center and handed over to maritime enforcement investigators for further investigation.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency reminds maritime practitioners to always comply with maritime laws and regulations and to implement safe operating procedures to prevent various unnecessary accidents.

In case of any suspicious activity or maritime emergency, please call the national emergency hotline 999, or contact the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement Zone Operations Center (086-314 254) or the Sarawak Maritime Enforcement Operations Center (082-432544) for assistance.