KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained two tugboats suspected of entering Malaysian waters without valid authorisation.
Johor MMEA acting director, Maritime Captain Kama Azri Kamil, said the two boats, believed to be from Indonesia, were detained during routine patrols on Sunday (April 5).
"The first tugboat was detained at approximately 12.30pm, about 16.5 nautical miles (30.5km) northeast of Tanjung Punggai.
"At around 6.50pm the same day, a second tugboat about 3.1 nautical miles (5.7km) southeast of Tanjung Penyusop," he said in a statement on Tuesday (April 7).
He said both tugboats lacked valid documentation permitting entry into or operations in Malaysian waters, as required by the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
Both tugboats have since been issued detention orders, and the case has been handed over to investigating officers at the Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone for further action.
"Enforcement and monitoring efforts will continue to be intensified to safeguard national waters.
“All maritime activities will be closely monitored, and stern action will be taken against any parties found violating existing laws,” he added.
Members of the public with information on suspicious maritime activities are urged to contact the emergency hotline 999 or the Johor Maritime Operations Centre for immediate response.
