MMEA intercepts petrol cargo boat without insurance coverage
Terengganu MMEA director Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang said the boat was intercepted at 1.28pm last Thursday, 26.6 nautical miles west of Kuala Besut estuary.
He said the vessel, manned by a skipper and two local crew members aged between 20 and 40, was believed to be en route to deliver petrol supplies to Pulau Redang, Kuala Nerus.
"While patrolling the area under Op Iman, the maritime vessel Perkasa 48 came across the cargo boat carrying barrels of fuel and proceeded to conduct an inspection.
"Checks revealed that the boat was suspected of committing an offence under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for operating without a valid insurance contract," he said in a statement today.
Hamiludin emphasised that maritime insurance is not only a legal requirement but also crucial in ensuring the safety of crew, assets, and national waters from unforeseen risks.
The boat, along with its skipper and crew, was taken to the Kuala Besut Maritime Post jetty for further investigation.
"MMEA urges all shipping operators and boat owners to ensure their documents and maritime insurance coverage are always up to date and in full compliance with regulations," he said.
He stressed that MMEA will not compromise on legal compliance, particularly in the state's waters, and stern action will be taken to uphold the nation's maritime security.
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