TAWAU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) intercepted a local cargo boat and detained its Indonesian skipper for suspected licence violations during an operation in Tawau waters on Monday.
Tawau Maritime Zone Deputy Director (Operations) Norihan Ngah said the 30-year-old skipper, who failed to produce valid documents, violated licence conditions by not having a registered crew list and failing to notify authorities of a change in skipper.
The boat carrying used goods, including empty bottles, was intercepted by KM Kidurong during Ops Pluto Timur, Sejahtera and Tiris at 10.30am.
“Initial inspection of the cargo boat, intercepted some 1.9 nautical miles southwest of Batu Tinagat, found an Indonesian man acting as skipper.
“Documentation checks revealed the skipper only presented a photocopy of his passport without a valid permit and the vessel had no registered crew list while failing to report the skipper change,” said Norihan.
The boat and skipper were brought to Tawau Maritime Zone Jetty and handed over to MMEA investigating officers for further action.
The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for licence violations and the Immigration Act 1959/63 for questionable travel documents.
