13-05-2025
MMEA detains tugboat towing barge laden with logs in Bintulu
The tugboat, barge, and their crew have been detained for further investigation.
BINTULU (May 13): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Bintulu Maritime Zone detained a tugboat approximately one nautical mile northwest of the Kemena River estuary yesterday.
Bintulu Maritime Zone director Capt Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said during a routine patrol, the enforcement team inspected the tugboat, which was towing a barge laden with timber logs.
He said at the time of inspection, the tugboat was travelling from Kudat, Sabah to Bintulu waters.
'Initial checks revealed the vessel was manned by six crew members, comprising a Myanmar national as a skipper, two local crew members, and two Indian nationals aged between 26 and 64 years,' he said.
Muhammad Suffian said the tugboat is believed to have committed an offence under Section 65F (2) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952, for submitting false or inconsistent information compared to that stated in the Domestic Shipping License (DSL), which provides for an RM2,500 fine upon conviction.
The tugboat and its crew were detained and escorted to the Bintulu Maritime Zone Vessel Detention Centre before being handed over to MMEA investigators for further action.
For any complaints or emergencies contact the Bintulu Maritime Zone Operations Centre on 086-314 254 or the Sarawak Maritime State Operations Centre on 082-432544. kemena river lead MMEA Bintulu Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah
