MMEA photo shows the detained tugboat crew.
MIRI (May 8): A tugboat was detained in the waters of Kuala Bakam here Wednesday for breaching the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 by failing to report the change of captain.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri director Captain (M) Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said a patrol team intercepted the vessel about 10.7 nautical miles northwest of Kuala Bakam at about 1.40pm.
“An inspection found that the crew failed to report the change of captain to the port officer, which is an offence under the MSO 1952.
“As a result, the MMEA team detained the eight crew members on board, all of whom are Indonesian nationals aged between 26 and 57,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Khairol said the inspection was conducted as part of enforcement operations under Op Permai 01/2019, Op Naga Timur, Op Tiris 3.0, and Op Khas Pagar Laut 1/2025.
He said MMEA is committed to enforcing the law in the country’s maritime zones and will not compromise with any offenders.
The tugboat and its crew were later escorted to the Miri Vessel Detention Centre for further action.
To channel information, file complaints, or report emergencies at sea, the public can contact MMEA Miri on 085-649111, MMEA Sarawak on 082-432544/082-432016, or the 999 emergency hotline.
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