A vessel was detained by Malaysian Maritime authorities on 23 July, 11.5 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Ketam, for illegal sand dredging.
The Director of Selangor Maritime, Captain Maritime Abdul Muhaimin bin Muhammad Salleh, stated that the vessel had been monitored by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for several days following complaints from the maritime community.
The vessel, which was found conducting seabed sand dredging activities in the waters of Pulau Ketam. Inspections revealed the vessel was operated by a 30-year-old Indonesian captain, two Indonesian crew members, and eight Chinese crew members aged between 30 and 61. All crew members failed to produce valid identification documents and operational licenses.
The crew, along with the vessel and its cargo of 2,200 cubic meters of sand, were detained and taken to the Pulau Indah Marine Police jetty before being handed over to Malaysian Maritime investigation officers for further action.
The case is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for lack of valid identification documents and under Section 4 (7) of the Continental Shelf Act 1966 for unauthorized seabed sand dredging.
For any complaints, information, or emergencies at sea, the public can contact the Selangor Maritime Operations Center at 03-31760627 or the NG 999 emergency hotline for immediate response.
