KUDAT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a boat that was detected entering national waters seven nautical miles west of Tanjung Simpang Mengayau on Wednesday.
MMEA Kudat Zone Director Maritime Commander Hasbullah Omar said the boat was identified through information from Sabah’s Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA) before being intercepted by a patrol boat conducting Op Sejahtera and Op Khas Pagar Laut.
He said inspections found that although the boat was registered in the country, its operating licence had expired and it also committed offences under the Sabah Ports and Harbours Enactment.
“Further inspection revealed that four crew members, including the skipper, aged between 27 and 50, failed to produce any valid identification documents.
“They are suspected of committing offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63. All of them, along with the boat, were detained and escorted to the jetty for further investigation,” he said.
Hasbullah added that enforcement and patrols will continue to be intensified to ensure the safety and sovereignty of the nation’s waters.
He urged the public, especially the maritime community, to report any suspicious activities at sea via the emergency hotline 999 or the Kudat Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 088-611858.
