The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two passenger boats for various offences under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 during an enforcement operation in the waters off Kuala Selangor on Tuesday.
Selangor MMEA director Captain Maritime Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the vessels were intercepted about four nautical miles from the Kuala Selangor estuary as part of Op EHSAN, Op TIRIS 4.0, Op Khas Tanjung Siri 2/2026, as well as an integrated operation with the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS).
He said the first boat was stopped at about 1.45pm for a routine inspection while it was being operated by a 48-year-old local man.
Checks found that the vessel’s operating licence and insurance coverage had expired, resulting in the boat failing to meet the required conditions for legally operating as a passenger vessel.
The second boat was detained shortly after at about 2.17pm while under the control of a 41-year-old local skipper. Further inspection revealed that the boat was carrying passengers beyond its permitted capacity.
Abdul Muhaimin said authorities also discovered that the skipper’s name was not listed under the valid operating licence requirements for the vessel, which was another violation of the conditions imposed for passenger boat operations.
Both boats, along with their respective skippers, were escorted to the Marine Police Force (PPM) jetty in Pulau Indah before being handed over to MMEA investigating officers for further action.
The first case is being investigated under the MSO 1952 for operating a passenger boat with an expired licence and insurance coverage, while the second case involves offences related to overcapacity passengers and failure to comply with skipper licensing requirements.
Abdul Muhaimin stressed that MMEA would continue taking firm action against operators who disregard safety regulations and licensing requirements, as negligence at sea could put passengers’ lives at risk.
He also reminded the maritime community to ensure all operational licences, insurance documents and safety requirements are updated and complied with before conducting any activities at sea.
