MMEA detains tugboat with crew of 10 near Kuala Kemena

BINTULU (Nov 7): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Bintulu zone detained a tugboat with 10 crew members around 2.6 nautical miles northwest of Kuala Kemena here at 9.30am yesterday.

MMEA Bintulu zone director Capt Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said the tugboat was detained by an MMEA patrol boat carrying out ‘Op Permai’ and ‘Op Tiris 3.0’.

“The tugboat is suspected of committing an offence under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 for failing to notify the Registrar of Ships in writing regarding the change of captain in the ship’s registration certificate, which carries a compound fine of RM2,500,” he said in a statement.

The white tugboat was inspected alongside a barge carrying container cargo.

Muhammad Suffian said initial inspections revealed that the tugboat was operated by two local crew members, one of whom was the skipper, three Indonesians, three Myanmar nationals, and two Indian nationals aged between 19 and 56.

He said the tugboat and its crew members were detained and escorted to the Vessel Detention Centre (PTV) of the Bintulu Maritime Zone before being handed over to Malaysian Maritime investigators for further action.

“Maritime Malaysia reminds all maritime communities to always comply with all regulations or laws and adhere to safety procedures at sea to avoid and reduce the risk of unwanted incidents,” he said.

To channel information, complaints, or emergency incidents at sea, call the Bintulu Maritime Zone Operations Centre on 086-314 254 or Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre on 082-432544.