Two Indonesian nationals working on a tugboat were detained after authorities found 10,000 litres of diesel and RM5,000 in cash during an enforcement operation in Selangor waters yesterday.
The operation was carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) Selangor at 6.35am as part of Op Ehsan, Op Tiris 4.0 and Op Khas Tanjung Siri 2.
Selangor Maritime director Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said a tugboat was intercepted about 0.1 nautical miles from the mouth of Sungai Langat during a routine patrol.
He said initial inspections found that the vessel was operated by a 44-year-old skipper and a 23-year-old crew member, both of whom were Indonesian citizens.
The two individuals failed to present valid identification documents and work permits during the inspection, raising concerns over their legal status.
Checks on the tugboat’s documents also found that the vessel did not have compulsory insurance coverage, including Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC) protection as required under maritime regulations.
Abdul Muhaimin said the skipper was also unable to provide any documents or permits authorising the transportation of the diesel, which led authorities to suspect possible offences involving the controlled item.
The tugboat, along with both crew members, was later escorted to the Marine Police Force jetty in Pulau Indah before being handed over to the Selangor Maritime Investigation Officer for further action.
The case is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63, Control of Supplies Act 1961 and Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952.
