TANJUNG MANIS: Failure to produce a port clearance pass resulted in the detention of four crew members and a cargo ship loaded with diesel about 1.1 nautical miles south of Tanjung Jerijih today (Sept 30).
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Tanjung Manis Maritime Zone director Commander Mohd Ariz Md Kassim said the arrest took place at 11am during Ops Permai patrol, which was carried out by Maritime Guard Boat 22 in Belawai waters.
“The team went to inspect the cargo ship and found four men (one local, two Indians and an Indonesian) aboard.
“Results of the inspection found that they had failed to produce the port clearance pass document during their voyage.
“All the detainees, aged between 21 and 49, had valid identification documents,” he said in a statement.
Ariz added that the men, along with the cargo ship, were being escorted to Tanjung Manis Passenger Jetty to be handed over to the Tanjung Manis Maritime Zone investigating officer for further action.
“Since January to date, a total of eight cases involving the offense of failure to produce port clearance pass document have been recorded in the Tanjung Manis Maritime Zone.
“The result of the investigation found that these cases often occur because compound fines for this offense are cheaper than paying fees to obtain port clearance pass,” he added.
The case is investigated under Section 37(1) of the Customs Act 1967 for failing to produce port clearance documents during the voyage.
