MIRI: A fishing vessel was detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri Maritime Zone after it was found operating without a valid licence during a maritime enforcement operation off Kuala Miri waters on Saturday (Apr 19).
Miri Maritime Zone director Maritime Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said the boat was intercepted at 10.10 am by a Malaysian Maritime patrol team conducting operations under Op Permai 01/2019 and Op Tiris 3.0.
“The vessel was detected about 8.14 nautical miles northwest of Kuala Miri. Upon inspection, it was found that the boat did not possess a valid operating licence, while the skipper failed to present a certificate of competency to operate the vessel,” he said in a statement issued on Sunday.
The boat was manned by a skipper and two local passengers, aged between 37 and 46.
All three individuals were arrested and escorted to the Miri Vessel Detention Centre (PVT) for further investigation.
The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for operating without a valid licence and for navigating a vessel without proper qualifications.
Members of the public with information or who wish to report any suspicious activities at sea are urged to contact the Miri Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 085-649111, Sarawak Maritime headquarters at 082-432544 / 082-432016, or via the emergency line 999 for immediate response.
