MMEA Detains Two Boats Used For Filming Off Pulau Bidong

KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two boats together with a floating platform used for filming activities near Pulau Bidong yesterday.

MMEA Terengganu director Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang said six crew members of the boats were also detained, while six passengers aged between 21 and 32, including a social media influencer, were released immediately.

He said the boats were detained at about 6 pm during Ops Iman, 16 nautical miles northwest of Kuala Terengganu.

He said checks found that one passenger boat was used to tow the floating platform carrying a luxury car, while another boat was accompanying them.

“The platform, built without safety equipment, poses a safety risk when used at sea. This action not only violates the law but also endangers the lives of the crew, passengers, as well as the maritime community and other waterway users,” he said in a statement today.

Hamiludin said checks also found that the boat accompanying the towing activity was operating without a valid licence.

According to him, the boats, crew and passengers were taken to the Terengganu State Maritime Jetty at about 2 am today for further action.

“The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for violating licence conditions, operating without a valid licence, and conducting towing activities without authorisation.

“MMEA always supports tourism activities and the creativity of youths, but these must be carried out in accordance with existing regulations to ensure the safety of people and the sustainability of the country’s maritime sector,” he said.

-- BERNAMA