MMEA rescues 119 stranded ferry passengers off Kudat

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) came to the rescue of 119 passengers after their ferry ran aground on shallow reefs off northern Kudat district on Saturday (April 30).

MMEA Kudat Zone director Commander Boon Chin Chau said the Labuan Express 7 passenger ferry was on its way from the Karakit jetty in nearby Pulau Banggi to Kudat when the incident occurred at 11.40am.

In a statement on Sunday (May 1), he said the boat had engine problems before it drifted to the coral reefs in the waters of Molleangin.

He said three MMEA patrol boats were then sent to the area in order to provide support and monitor the passengers’ safety.

"All 119 passengers were safely transferred to a backup ferry that was sent to the scene," Cmdr Boon said, adding that no one was hurt.

The passengers were then taken to the Kudat jetty.

Cmdr Boon advised ferry operators and boat owners to ensure that their vessels were in tip-top condition before heading out to sea.

"Make sure all ferries and boats are properly maintained according to the rules," he said.

In an unrelated incident, marine police managed to stop seven men who tried to sneak into Sandakan district on the east coast in speedboats.

Sandakan Marine Police Base commanding officer Deputy Supt Rusdin Banin said they spotted the vessels at about 5pm on Saturday (April 30).

As soon as they crossed into Malaysian waters, marine police immediately gave chase and intercepted the boats.

"All the men, aged between 29 and 70, said they were from the Philippines and confessed that they entered the country without valid travel documents," DSP Rusdin said when contacted.

"The marine police then escorted them to the border and ensured they left Sabah waters," he said.

DSP Rusdin urged the public to relay any information on suspicious activities at sea through WhatsApp at 013-2831197 or by directly contacting the Sandakan Marine Police Operations Room at 08-922 1453.