(Bintulu, 5th) The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Malaysian Maritime) Bintulu Maritime Enforcement Zone detained a tugboat allegedly operating illegally yesterday evening, located 1.4 nautical miles northwest of the Bintulu Sungai Kemena estuary.
The Director of the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement Zone, Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine stated that during the enforcement of "PERMAI 01/2019 Operation" and "TIRIS 3.0 Operation," officers conducted a routine inspection on a white tugboat heading towards the Kemena estuary.
He said initial investigations revealed the tugboat was operated by two Indian nationals, aged 28 and 20. The officers subsequently found the vessel had not informed the registrar in writing about the change of the captain's information in accordance with Section 22(2A) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, nor had the information been updated on the vessel's registration certificate.
"According to this regulation, the related offense can result in a fine of up to 2,500 Ringgit."
The tugboat, along with its crew, has been taken to the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement Zone ship detention center and handed over to relevant investigation officers for further investigation and handling.
The Malaysian Maritime reminds all maritime operators to strictly follow existing laws and regulations, and adhere to maritime safety operating procedures to prevent any accidents.
The Malaysian Maritime reminds all maritime operators to always comply with various maritime regulations and adhere to safe sailing procedures to prevent and reduce the risk of unnecessary accidents.
For any maritime intelligence, complaints, or emergencies, you can dial the emergency hotline 999, or contact the Bintulu Maritime Enforcement Zone Operations Center (086-314 254) / Sarawak Maritime Enforcement Operations Center (082-432544) for a prompt response.
