ALOR SETAR: A sunset cruise vessel was detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for carrying passengers beyond the allowed limit on Sunday (April 5). Kedah and Perlis MMEA director Romli Mustafa said the vessel was detained at about 5.20pm by an MMEA patrol boat during a routine patrol 0.3 nautical miles east of Pulau Bumbon Besar. He said inspections found that the vessel had committed an offence under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for carrying passengers exceeding the permitted capacity. He added that the individuals involved, along with the vessel and case items, were taken to the Kedah and Perlis maritime jetty for further investigation. "MMEA will continue to step up patrols and enforcement operations within Malaysian Maritime Zones to ensure the safety and well-being of the nation's waters are always safeguarded," he said.

Source: The Star April 06, 2026 15:05 UTC