KUCHING, Feb 25: A tug-boat and a barge laden with 3,000 tonnes of sand were detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Tanjong Manis Zone for sailing without Port Clearance, yesterday.
MMEA commander Mohd Ariz Md Kassim in a statement today said the tugboat and the barge which was on its way from Kuching heading towards Sibu, were stopped during “Ops Permai” conducted at Belawai waters, about 1.2 mile Southwest of Tanjung Jerijih, at 3.45 pm.
“Upon inspection, it was found that the tug-boat operator failed to produce any Port Clearance documentation during the voyage.
“A total of six men, comprising two local men and four India nationals, aged between 25 to 55-years old, who had valid identification documentation were also detained during the operation,” he said.
Aziz noted the tug-boat and barge were escorted to HSL Tanjung Manis jetty for further investigation.
“The case is being investigated under section 37(1) Customs Act 1967 for failing to produce Port Clearance documentation during the voyage,” he added.
On the same note, Azis also urged the maritime community (including the shipping industry), as well as the fisherman to always abide by the rules and prioritise on their safety by using the safety jacket when going out to the sea.
“The public is advised to contact the Tanjung Manis Maritime Zone operation centre in the event of an emergency or a suspicious activity at 084-613292, or the Sarawak Maritime operation centre at 082-432544 or the Malaysian Emergency Response Services 999 (MERS 999),” he said. –DayakDaily.
