PORT KLANG: The Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two passenger boats on Sunday for licence violations by not naming the vessels' skippers in their documents.
Selangor Maritime director Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the boats were detained separately by agency patrols conducting routine operations.
The first boat, sailing from Westport waters towards the Royal Selangor Yacht Club jetty, was detained at 6.08pm.
"The boat was detained 0.3 nautical miles south of Tanjung Harapan, where two men were found on board," said Captain Abdul Muhaimin.
The men are aged 37 and 39 and are Malaysians, with one serving as the vessel's skipper.
The second boat was detained 14 minutes later nearby, en route from Pulau Angsa waters to Westport.
"Preliminary investigations revealed the boat was operated by a 30-year-old local man acting as skipper," said Captain Abdul Muhaimin.
The names of both skippers were not on the boats' valid registration documents, breaching legal provisions.
"Both boats were escorted to the Marine Police jetty in Pulau Indah and handed over to the Selangor Maritime Malaysia investigating officer," said Captain Abdul Muhaimin.
The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO 1952) for failing to update the skippers' names and not adhering to licensing requirements.
Captain Abdul Muhaimin then said that it is important to comply with licensing provisions to avoid legal action.
"Maritime Malaysia will not tolerate individuals who breach maritime rules. A boat's licence is a responsibility for everyone's safety," he said.
The public can report maritime emergencies by calling the Selangor Maritime Operations Centre at 03-31760627 or through 999.
