KOTA KINABALU: A skipper was detained while the passenger boat he was operating was impounded for violating maritime laws in waters off the city.
Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director for Sabah and Labuan, First Admiral Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik said the arrest was made after officials found the boat to be overloaded, and was operating under the wrong licence.
He said maritime officials were conducting an operation when they saw the vessel close to Mamutik Island on Aug 19.
“There were six extra passengers on board, more than the allowed capacity.
“We also found that the boat ‘s registration number did not match the designated specifications,” Suhaimi said in a statement.
“The engine series number is also different from the licence.”
The skipper and boat were taken to the Sepanggar Maritime Jetty for further investigations.
The value of seizure was approximately RM80,000.
Suhaimi said the MMEA will continue to enforce laws at sea.
“The public can contact the MMEA operations centre at 088-387 774 or 999 if they have anything to report,” he said.
