PETALING JAYA: Two passenger boats were detained for failing to produce valid vessel documents during a joint maritime enforcement operation in the waters off Port Klang.
Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Maritime Capt Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the boats were detained during a three-day operation, Special Operation Ops Jalmar Series 3, conducted with the Marine Department Central Region from Oct 27 to 30.
He said inspections found that both boats had committed offences under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
"The operation aimed to enhance navigational safety and ensure boat operators comply with licensing requirements and prescribed safety equipment regulations, particularly for passenger boats," he said in a statement on Friday (Oct 30).
The operation also targeted illegal maritime activities, including ship-to-ship cargo transfers, unlicensed bunkering, non-compliant sand carrier operations and vessels anchoring without permission.
A total of 30 officers and personnel from both agencies took part in the operation, deploying two MMEA boats and one Marine Department vessel.
Abdul Muhaimin said the operation was conducted in three phases, beginning with briefings and knowledge-sharing sessions by Marine Department officers on inspection procedures involving ship-to-ship transfers and bunkering activities.
"This was followed by sea patrols and enforcement inspections, before a closing ceremony at the Marine Department Central Region office," he added.
He expressed hope that the joint operation would raise awareness among boat operators about the importance of navigational safety and compliance with licensing requirements and maritime laws.
He added that continued cooperation between the two agencies was crucial in strengthening maritime law enforcement and safeguarding the country's waters.
Members of the public with information on maritime crimes or emergencies at sea can contact the emergency hotline at 999.
