MMEA detains 30 errant tourist boats in Sabah waters

They were detained in 'Op Mengalum' and 'Op Mantanani' conducted in the waters off Kota Kinabalu and Teluk Usukan, Kota Belud.

Kota Kinabalu maritime district director, First Admiral (Maritime) Adam Aziz said all these tourist boats were detained in the operations over a 27-day period since Feb 18.

He said the boats were found carrying passengers that exceeded the number set and their passengers given wornout safety jackets to wear.

"Some of the boats were also detained for dropping off passengers at non-gazetted locations or their boat licence had already expired. All the boats involved will have to pay the compounds imposed based on the offences committed," he said in a statement, here, today.

Adam said the operations involving 106 officers and other personnel of the MMEA were specially conducted to inspect all tourist boats and detain those which flouted the law.

"Besides that, we want to ensure that the tourist boat operators and handlers make the safety of their passengers a priority."

Adam said the estimated amount of compounds imposed on all the detained tourist boats was RM9,200.

He said the MMEA would continue with such operations to ensure peace and safety at sea, as well as prevent boat operators from being irresponsible and from being profit-motivated only.