MMEA detained a skipper and crew member off Pulau Besar, Johor for carrying excess passengers and violating boat licence safety conditions.
JOHOR BAHRU: Two crew members of a passenger boat were detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) after the vessel was suspected of committing various safety regulation violations in the waters off Pulau Besar here yesterday.
Mersing Maritime Zone Deputy Director of Operations, Maritime Lieutenant Hazuan Joha, said the boat was intercepted about 0.4 nautical miles northwest of Pulau Besar while a Malaysian Maritime patrol boat team was conducting Ops Jaksa and Ops Tiris 4.0 patrols.
He said that the boat was intercepted for inspection at approximately 1:00 pm, and checks revealed that it was carrying 18 passengers, exceeding the limit of 12 people permitted under its licence conditions.
“Additionally, the boat was also suspected of operating without the required number of crew members as stipulated. The boat was operated by a local skipper and an accompanying crew member, aged 22 and 35 respectively,” he said in a statement today.
He added that the passengers on board the boat were not detained, while the skipper, crew, and the boat were brought to the Mersing Maritime Zone Headquarters Jetty for further action.
The case is being investigated under the Boat Rules 1953 and the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which provide for a fine of up to RM10,000 for each offence under the applicable provisions of the law upon conviction.
Meanwhile, he also reminded all passengers and tourist boat operators to constantly comply with license conditions, safety regulations, and established maritime laws to ensure passenger safety is always preserved.
“Malaysian Maritime will not compromise with any party that fails to comply with safety regulations and maritime laws. Enforcement action will continue to be intensified to ensure the safety of waterway users and the smooth operation of maritime activities are always guaranteed,” he said.
