ALOR SETAR: The Kedah Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two tourist boats in Langkawi waters on Tuesday (June 17) for carrying passengers beyond the permitted limit.
Kedah and Perlis maritime director Maritime First Admiral Romli Mustafa said the fibreglass boats were intercepted during a routine patrol.
He said the boats, which were spotted 0.1 nautical miles west of Tanjung Kemarong at noon, were found carrying a total of 21 foreign nationals.
"Checks revealed that the vessels had violated the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for operating without valid licences and the Boat Rules 1953 for carrying passengers beyond the permitted limit while conducting tourism activities,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (June 18).
The boats, their skippers and passengers were taken to the Kedah and Perlis Maritime jetty for further investigation under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
First Adm Romli said the total value of the seizure was estimated at RM236,000.
He said the MMEA would not compromise with any violations and remained committed to curbing illegal activities in the country’s waters.
"If there is any emergency or criminal activity at sea, the public is urged to call 999 or contact the Kedah and Perlis State Maritime Operations Centre at 04-9662750," he said. – Bernama
