The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has detained two Indonesian tugboats for unauthorised entry into Johor’s waters, citing a lack of valid documentation.
KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency detained two Indonesian tugboats for allegedly encroaching into Malaysian waters without authorisation last Sunday.
Acting Johor MMEA director Maritime Captain Kama Azri Kamil stated the vessels were intercepted during a large-scale integrated maritime operation.
Patrol boat PETIR 11 detained the first tugboat approximately 16.5 nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Punggai around 12.30 pm.
PETIR 12 detained the second vessel about 3.1 nautical miles southeast of Tanjung Penyusop later that day at 6.50 pm.
Kama Azri confirmed that both vessels lacked the valid documentation required to enter or operate in Malaysian waters.
The alleged offence falls under Section 491B(1)(l) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which is enforced by the Marine Department Malaysia.
Detention orders have been issued for the vessels, with the case transferred to the Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone Investigating Officer.
The public is urged to report any suspicious maritime activities via the national emergency line at 999.
Alternatively, information can be relayed directly to the Johor State Maritime Operations Centre at 013-7001235 for immediate action.
