TANJUNG MANIS: Failure to produce a port clearance pass resulted in the detention of seven crew members and a tugboat pulling a barge loaded with pebbles, about 2.1 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Jerijih last Saturday (Sept 19).
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Tanjung Manis Maritime Zone director Commander Mohd Ariz Md Kassim said the arrest took place at 4.40pm during the Ops Permai patrol, carried out by Maritime Guard Boat 22 in Belawai waters.
“The team went to inspect the tugboat and the barge and found seven men (two locals, five Indians) 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 20 and 58, had valid identification documents,” he said in a statement.
Ariz added that the men, along with the tugboat and barge, were escorted to HSL Jetty to be handed over to the Tanjung Manis Maritime Zone investigating officer for further action.
The case will be investigated under the Customs Act 1967 for failing to produce port clearance documents during the voyage.
