By Aida Aziz
LUMUT: A cargo vessel carrying 21 crew members, comprising 11 Pakistanis, eight Iranians and two Indonesians, was detained approximately 4.3 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Jarak yesterday.
Perak Maritime director Captain Zainudin Mohd Zuki said the vessel was suspected of committing offences under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
He said the Gambia-registered vessel was detected through the Lumut Maritime Surveillance System (SWASLA) radar before the information was relayed by the Perak Maritime State Headquarters Operations Centre to enforcement assets for inspection.
“An inspection found that the vessel was suspected of committing two offences under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, namely anchoring without permission from the Director of Marine Malaysia and failing to notify the authorities of its arrival in Malaysian waters.
“Consequently, the vessel’s master and chief engineer were taken to the Perak Maritime State Headquarters to assist in investigations.
“Relevant vessel documents were also seized for further action by Maritime Malaysia’s investigating officers.
“The case is being investigated under the relevant provisions of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952,” he said on Sunday.
Zainudin stressed that all vessels entering or operating in Malaysian waters must comply with the prevailing maritime laws and regulations.
“Maritime Malaysia will continue to strengthen surveillance through patrol assets and monitoring systems to ensure navigational safety, orderly maritime activities and the protection of national interests.
“Members of the public with information on any misconduct or maritime emergencies are urged to contact the Perak Maritime State Headquarters Operations Centre at 05-683 8737 or the emergency line at 999,” he added.
