A VIRAL video has left many intrigued, showing a floating platform carrying a luxury car near Pulau Bidong.
The footage has raised questions about the legality and safety of this unusual sight.
Could it be true that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized what appeared to be a floating house and car?
Verdict:
TRUE
An attempt by a social media influencer to shoot a video towing a floating platform carrying a luxury car ended badly when the two boats used in the activity were detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Terengganu on Wednesday (Sept 3) afternoon.
The platform was made to resemble a house and came complete with a bed, kitchenette and furniture.
Terengganu Maritime Director, Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang, stated that both boats were detained around 6pm, approximately 16 nautical miles northwest of Kuala Terengganu near Pulau Bidong.
He said the boats were found to have violated the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 (MSO) during the enforcement operation "Ops Iman" conducted by the agency.
"Upon inspection, a passenger boat was used to tow a floating platform with a car on it, while another boat accompanying the towing activity was found operating without a valid license from the Department of Marine," he said on Thursday (Sept 4).
He explained that the floating platform was built without safety equipment, posing safety risks when used as a filming location with a vehicle placed on it.
"This action not only breaks the law but also endangers the lives of crew, passengers, and other users," he said.
According to Hamiludin, all locals, consisting of six crew members, including the captain, and six passengers, were detained for further action.
"The two boats were found carrying a social media influencer along with crew and passengers aged between 21 and 32 years.
"The boats, crew, and passengers were brought to the Terengganu State Maritime Jetty around 2am today (Thursday) for investigation.
"This case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for violating license conditions, operating without a valid license, and conducting towing activities without permission," he further explained.
He emphasized that the MMEA is serious about ensuring the safety of the country's waters, especially in Terengganu, and will not compromise with any party that violates maritime laws.
"MMEA supports tourism activities and the creativity of the youth, but they must be conducted according to existing regulations to ensure the safety of lives and the sustainability of the nation's maritime sector.
"The public with information on any criminal activity or maritime law violations in Terengganu waters is urged to report it to the emergency line 999 or the Terengganu State Maritime Operations Centre at 09-622 4357," he said.
On Wednesday (Sept 3), a three-minute 20-second video went viral on social media showing a bascule bridge being lifted to allow the boat and floating platform carrying the car to pass.
Source:
Sinar Harian
