KUDAT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a cargo vessel for allegedly anchoring without permission about two nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Tajau Laut recently.
MMEA Kudat Maritime Zone Director Commander Hasbullah Omar said the vessel was intercepted during a routine patrol in the area.
A further inspection revealed 16 male crew members, including a Vietnamese captain, who failed to produce valid documents authorising the vessel to anchor in Sabah waters.
The case is being investigated under the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department Enactment 2002 for anchoring without permission from the Director of Ports and Harbours Department.
Hasbullah said the captain and a crew member were taken to the Kudat Maritime Zone Office for further investigation, adding that enforcement operations will continue to safeguard state waters.
