MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri Maritime Zone detained a tugboat approximately 3.9 nautical miles northwest of Lutong around 10.30 am yesterday.
MMEA Miri director Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said the vessel was intercepted during a joint maritime patrol under Op Khas Pagar Laut 1/2025, Op Permai 01/2019, Op Naga Timur, and Op Tiris 3.0.
“Upon inspection, it was discovered that the vessel had committed an offence under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for failing to report a change of captain to the port officer, as required,” he stated.
The tugboat, along with its three local male crew members aged between 23 and 45, was escorted to the Miri Vessel Detention Centre (PTV) for further investigation.
He stressed that the MMEA would continue to strengthen patrols and maritime enforcement to ensure compliance with national maritime laws.
The agency also urged the public to report any suspicious maritime activities or sea emergencies by calling the emergency number 999, the Miri Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 085-649111, or the Sarawak Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544 / 082-432016.
