Overloaded Passenger Boat Detained Near Pulau Besar

MERSING: An overloaded passenger boat suspected of violating several safety regulations was detained about 0.4 nautical miles (0.74 km) northwest of Pulau Besar near here.

The boat was intercepted during Ops Tiris/Ops Jaksa 4.0 at about 1pm on Wednesday (Sept 2), said Mersing Maritime Zone deputy director Maritime Lt Hazuan Joha.

In a statement today, Hazuan said the passenger boat was detected by a patrol team during routine operations before it was stopped for inspection.

“The passenger boat was detected by our patrol team during routine patrols before it was intercepted for inspection,” he said.

Initial investigations found that the vessel was operated by two local crew members, aged 22 and 35.

Hazuan said the boat was suspected of carrying passengers beyond its permitted capacity and operating without the required number of crew members.

“The boat was suspected of carrying passengers beyond the permitted limit and operating without the required number of crew members,” he said.

The case is being investigated under the Boat Rules 1953 and the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.

Hazuan said the skipper, crew members and the boat were detained and escorted to the Mersing Maritime Zone headquarters jetty before being handed over to a Malaysian Maritime investigation officer for further action.

He reminded all passenger and tourist boat operators to comply with established safety regulations to ensure the safety of passengers.

“All passenger and tourist boat operators must comply with safety regulations to ensure the safety of passengers,” he said.

Members of the public who wish to report maritime offences, misconduct or emergencies can contact the Johor Maritime Operations Centre at 07-219 9404 or call 999.