MMEA detains tugboat towing barge laden with logs near Kuala Kemena

BINTULU (Oct 22): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Bintulu Maritime Zone detained a tugboat at 3.25pm yesterday, approximately three nautical miles northwest of Kuala Kemena.

MMEA Bintulu Maritime Zone director Capt Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said during the operations under Op Permai and Op Tiris 3.0, an MMEA patrol boat inspected a white tugboat towing a barge laden with logs.

“During the inspection, the tugboat was found sailing towards Bintulu waters from Bintangor,” he said in a statement.

He said the initial investigation found the tugboat had a crew of six: two Myanmar nationals, two Indonesians, one Indian national, and one local.

The men were aged between 29 and 44.

Muhammad Suffian pointed out that the tugboat was suspected of violating the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 for failing to inform the Ship Registrar in writing about a change of captain on the ship registration certificate, which carries a compound of RM2,500.

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

Muhammad Suffian reminded the maritime community to adhere to all regulations and laws before conducting any activities at sea.

Any information, complaints, or emergencies can be reported to the emergency line 999, the Bintulu Maritime Zone Operations Centre on 086-314254, or Sarawak Maritime Operations Centre on 082-432544.