MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) intercepted a tugboat and barge operating illegally in Malaysian waters yesterday. The vessels were apprehended 3.2 nautical miles southwest of Kuala Baram during a joint operation known as Op PERMAI 01/2019 and Op TIRIS 3.0 around 12:30 PM.
Maritime Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad, Director of the Miri Maritime Zone, reported that the vessels exhibited suspicious behavior. Upon inspection, authorities found the crew carrying unauthorized cargo and lacking the necessary documentation.
Eight crew members—four Malaysians, two Myanmar nationals, and two Indonesians, aged 23 to 49—were detained for questioning. Captain Saad stressed that such illegal activities not only violate maritime laws but also pose risks to navigational safety in the area.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, highlighting the MMEA’s commitment to enforcing maritime regulations and ensuring safety in Malaysian waters.
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