Maritime authorities inspect 33 vessels

KUCHING: A joint operation by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak and the Sarawak Regional Marine Department (JLWS) has led to the inspection of 33 vessels in Sarawak waters.

Codenamed Ops Ambal Kuching-Tg Manis Bil 1/2024, the operation, held from Oct 23 to 24, aimed to enhance safety, enforce maritime laws, and combat crime at sea.

MMEA and JLWS personnel are inspecting the vessel.

“Several enforcement actions were taken against vessels found to be in violation of maritime regulations,” said MMEA Sarawak Deputy Director Captain Simon Templer Lo Tusa in a statement today (Oct 26).

He added that offenses included breaches of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952, such as failing to maintain proper ship name signs or using misleading names.

A total of 44 MMEA personnel and 12 JLWS personnel, along with six MMEA assets and one JLWS asset, were deployed to patrol areas including Muara Tebas, Tanjung PO, Muara Payang, and surrounding waters.

Simon commended the success of the operation, particularly noting the contribution of JLWS assets like KILAT 22, KILAT 35, PENGGALANG 22, PENYELAMAT 8, PETIR 82, PERKASA 25, and TG SELALANG.

The public is urged to contact the emergency hotline NG999 for any information, complaints, or maritime emergencies.