Tugboat detained for expired license

MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri zone has detained a tugboat, Success 99, registered in Miri, for operating with an expired license.

The arrest took place under the 1953 Boat Rules. The incident occurred at around 4:10 pm yesterday, when the tugboat was intercepted 5.4 nautical miles northwest of the Miri River Estuary.

A Malaysian maritime patrol vessel, conducting a routine OP PERMAI / OP NAGA TIMUR / OP TIRIS 3.0 patrol, identified and detained the vessel.

According to Miri maritime zone director Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad in a statement said, the inspection revealed that the tugboat was manned by a crew of three, including Indonesian tekongs, aged between 22 and 40 years.

The tugboat and its crew were subsequently escorted to the Miri maritime zone vessel Detention Centre for further action.

The tugboat has been seized for further action.

Mohd Khairol emphasised that Maritime Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to law enforcement within the Malaysian maritime zone.

“We will not compromise on any defaulters,” he stated firmly.

The MMEA has urged the public to report any information, complaints, or emergency incidents at sea. For immediate response, the public can contact the Malaysian Emergency Response Services (MERS) at 999, the Miri maritime zone Operations Centre at 085-418204, or the Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544 / 082-432016.