MERSING: An overloaded passenger boat suspected of breaching several safety regulations was detained about 0.4 nautical miles (0.74km) northwest of Pulau Besar near here.
The boat was intercepted during Ops Tiris/Ops Jaksa 4.0 at about 1pm on Wednesday (Sept 2), said Mersing Maritime Zone deputy director Maritime Lt Hazuan Joha.
“The passenger boat was detected by our patrol team during routine patrols before it was intercepted for inspection,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Hazuan said the boat was operated by two local crew members, aged 22 and 35.
“Initial investigations found that the boat was suspected of carrying passengers beyond the permitted limit and operating without the required number of crew members,” he said.
The case is being investigated under the Boat Rules 1953 and Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
Hazuan said the skipper, crew members and boat were detained and escorted to the Mersing Maritime Zone headquarters jetty before being handed over to the Malaysian Maritime investigation officer for further action.
“All passenger and tourist boat operators must comply with safety regulations to ensure the safety of passengers,” he said.
Members of the public can report maritime offences, misconduct or emergencies to the Johor Maritime Operations Centre at 07-219 9404 or call 999.
