Selangor MMEA Detains Two Passenger Boats For Overloading Off Port Klang

SHAH ALAM, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two passenger boats for overloading during a maritime safety patrol in waters off Port Klang yesterday afternoon.

Selangor MMEA director Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the boats were detained at about 5.30 pm and 5.50 pm, 1.2 nautical miles west of Port Klang.

“The detentions were carried out using MMEA patrol assets during routine operations to ensure compliance with maritime laws and the safety of sea users,” he said in a statement today.

“Preliminary inspections found that each boat was operated by a skipper and a crew member, with three men and one woman aged between 20 and 39,” he added.

Abdul Muhaimin said further checks revealed that both boats had violated licence conditions under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952. Each was carrying 40 and 42 passengers, exceeding their licensed capacities of 32 and 34, respectively.

“Overloading compromises vessel stability, increases the risk of accidents and endangers passengers’ lives,” he said.

Both boats and all individuals involved were escorted to the Pulau Indah Marine Police Jetty before being handed over to Selangor MMEA investigating officers for further action.

Abdul Muhaimin advised passenger boat operators to strictly comply with licence conditions and warned that firm action would be taken against anyone violating maritime regulations.

He also urged maritime users to remain vigilant and to report emergencies or complaints to the Selangor MMEA Operations Centre at 013-660 6652 or via 999.

-- BERNAMA