KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a cargo ship laden with sand as well as eight crew members for failing to produce a written proof regarding the change of skipper on Monday (Oct 16).
MMEA Sarawak director First Admiral Zin Azman Md Yunus said a patrol vessel had detected the cargo ship at about 0.56 nautical mile southeast of Mount Ayer around 12.20pm.
Inspections found that a total of eight crew members comprising six foreigners and two locals, operated the vessel with valid identification documents.
“However, the skipper had failed to submit written evidence regarding the change of skipper in the Certificate of Malaysia Registry.
“The cargo ship was then escorted to the anchorage area near Tun Abang Salahuddin Maritime Complex Jetty (KOMTAS) for further action,” he said.
In view of this, Zin Azman advised the shipping community, to always be aware of the laws and regulations that are being enforced.
Should the public have any information on misconduct or criminal activities and emergency incidents at sea, they can channel them to the MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544 for immediate action.
