Port klang: The Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two passenger boats for overloading during a maritime safety patrol in waters off Port Klang yesterday afternoon. Selangor MMEA director Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh reported that the boats were detained at approximately 5.30 pm and 5.50 pm, 1.2 nautical miles west of Port Klang.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the detentions were executed using MMEA patrol assets during standard operations to ensure adherence to maritime laws and safeguard sea users. A statement issued today by Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh revealed that preliminary inspections found each boat was manned by a skipper and a crew member, along with three men and one woman aged between 20 and 39.

Further checks disclosed that both boats had breached licence conditions under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952. The boats were carrying 40 and 42 passengers, surpassing their licensed capacities of 32 and 34, respectively. Abdul Muhaimin highlighted that such overloading jeopardizes vessel stability, escalates the risk of accidents, and endangers passengers' lives.

Both boats and all individuals involved were escorted to the Pulau Indah Marine Police Jetty before being handed over to Selangor MMEA investigating officers for further action. Abdul Muhaimin urged passenger boat operators to adhere strictly to licence conditions, cautioning that firm action would be taken against those violating maritime regulations.

He also encouraged maritime users to maintain vigilance and report emergencies or complaints to the Selangor MMEA Operations Centre at 013-660 6652 or via 999.