ANGLING BOAT WITHOUT VALID LICENCE DOCKED IN BINTULU FOR INVESTIGATIONS

BINTULU, April 7 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Bintulu Maritime Zone detained a recreational fishing boat for sailing without a valid licence during a patrol this morning.

Bintulu maritime zone director, Captain (Maritime) Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said the boat was spotted at about 9.50 am at a position 4.3 nautical miles north of Kuala Kemena while the patrol team was conducting Special Sea Fence Operation 1/2025, Op Tiris 3.0 and Op Permai 01/2019.

“During an inspection, the boat failed to produce any documents, including a valid licence. It was operated by a 26-year-old local man,” he said in a statement.

According to him, the offence is being investigated under the 1953 Boat Regulations for failure to display and provide valid documents and licence, which, upon conviction, could result in a fine or compound penalty (licence renewal must be within seven days of expiry).

The boat and its crew were escorted to the Bintulu maritime zone Vessel Detention Centre for further investigation while MMEA advised the maritime community, especially recreational boat operators and fishermen, to adhere to all regulations and ensure documents are complete and valid before going out to sea.

“Boat owners and operators must prioritise compliance with the law and safety aspects to prevent any unwanted incidents,” emphasised Muhammad Suffian.

For any information, complaints, or emergencies at sea, immediate assistance can be sought via the emergency line 999, the Bintulu maritime zone Operations Centre at 086-314 254, or Sarawak Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432 544.

-- BERNAMA