SHAH ALAM, Oct 30 — Two passenger boats were detained off Port Klang for their lack of valid documents, during a joint maritime enforcement operation from Tuesday to today.
Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the boats were detained during the Special Operation Ops Jalmar Series 3, conducted in collaboration with the Central Region Marine Department.
The Star reported him as saying inspections found that both boats had violated 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, especially for passenger boats,” he said.
The operation also focused on illegal maritime activities, including ship-to-ship cargo transfers, unlicensed bunkering, non-compliant sand carrier operations and vessels anchoring without permission.
Thirty officers and personnel from both agencies took part in the operation, while two MMEA boats and one Marine Department vessel were deployed.
Muhaimin expressed hope that the joint operation would raise awareness among boat operators about navigational safety and the importance of complying with licensing requirements and maritime laws.
He also said continued cooperation between the two agencies is essential to strengthening enforcement and safeguarding the country’s waters.
He added that people with information on maritime crimes or emergencies at sea may contact the 999 emergency hotline.
