MMEA detains 19 tour boats in 'Ops Mengalum'

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained 19 tour boats for violating various regulations under the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department (JPDS) Enactment during an operation codenamed 'Ops Mengalum' which entered its seventh day Friday.

Sabah and Labuan MMEA director First Admiral Mohd Zubil Mat Som said the boats were detained in waters off Kota Kinabalu for among others, overloading and not equipped with life jackets.

"Some of the boats were detained for disembarking passengers at ungazzetted areas and there are also those operating with expired licence," he told reporters here Friday.

Mohd Zubil said the special operation, involving 106 officers and members of the MMEA, was aimed at ensuring operators of tour boats complied with the stipulated regulations for the safety of tourists.

"The operation is being carried out following the incident in which a catamaran boat capsized in waters of Pulau Mengalum last month. It (the operation) will give us a comprehensive overview to propose improvements in terms of safety," he added.

Mohd Zubil said checks during the operation found that all boats operating in waters off Kota Kinabalu did not have the Automatic Identification System (AIS) installed.

"Therefore, I suggest all operators to install the AIS or at least the communication equipment (VHF radio).

"The equipment is very important as it will facilitate and speed up our operations in case anything happened to the boats.

In the tragedy on Jan 28, a catamaran carrying 28 Chinese tourists and three crew members, capsized due to strong winds and high waves while on its way to Pulau Mengalum.

So far, 26 victims have been recovered, including four dead. -- BERNAMA