12-05-2025
Tugboat, crew detained in Bintulu for violating shipping regulations
Handout photo shows the crew members detained for further investigation.
BINTULU (May 12): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Bintulu Maritime Zone detained a tugboat on Saturday, approximately three nautical miles northwest of the Kemena River estuary for violating shipping regulations.
Bintulu Maritime Zone director Capt Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said the white tugboat was intercepted by an MMEA patrol vessel during routine patrols as it was heading towards open water.
'A preliminary inspection revealed that the vessel was operated by a crew of eight – six Indonesian nationals including the captain, one Myanmar national, and one Malaysian – aged between 23 and 51 years,' he said in a statement.
He said the tugboat was found to have violated Section 22(2A) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 for failing to notify the Registrar of Ships in writing about the change of captain in its registration certificate.
The offence carries a compound of RM2,500.
The vessel and its crew were escorted to the Bintulu Maritime Zone Vessel Detention Centre and handed over to the investigating officer for further action.
Muhammad Suffian reminded all maritime community members to comply with relevant regulations and observe maritime safety procedures to prevent and reduce the risk of untoward incidents at sea.
Any information, complaints, or emergencies at sea can be reported via the emergency line 999, or by contacting Bintulu Maritime Zone Operations Centre on 086-314254, or the Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre on 082-432544. kemena river lead MMEA Bintulu Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah
