QuickCheck: Did a passenger illegally pilot a vessel in Terengganu waters?
Recently, a video went viral claiming to show something of this nature – specifically a tourist illegally piloting a vessel – and it was alleged that this incident happened in waters near Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang in Terengganu.
Did such an incident happen as claimed?
VERDICT:
TRUE
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Terengganu is investigating a viral video showing a passenger steering a tourist boat in the waters of Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian recently.
The video also shows several passengers not wearing life jackets while the boat was moving at high speed, raising concerns about the safety of sea transportation in the tourist area.
MMEA Terengganu head Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang said an initial investigation found elements of negligence when the boat skipper allowed an unqualified individual to operate the boat and failed to ensure all passengers wore life jackets.
"This act not only violates the law but can also endanger passengers' lives. Passenger boats should be operated by licensed and trained individuals," he said in a statement here on Monday (June 23).
According to him, the MMEA will summon the boat operator involved in the near future to provide a statement to assist in the investigation.
He said that the offence could be investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which provides for penalties such as fines, license suspension, and detention of the boat for negligent operators.
"The MMEA will not compromise on safety issues. Every operator must be responsible and never gamble with passenger lives," he said.
He added that his team would continue to monitor social media content that depicts violations of maritime safety aspects and take firm action against any involved boat operators.
He further stated that the MMEA is actively conducting patrols and search and rescue prevention activities at passenger jetties around the state, as well as delivering safety reminders to the fishing community, tourist boat operators, and passengers.
"Visitors to the resort areas are advised to always prioritise personal safety when boarding boats or engaging in water activities, including ensuring that safety equipment such as life jackets is used properly.
The public and maritime community are also urged to report any information related to illegal activities at sea through the emergency line 999 or contact the Terengganu State Maritime Operations Centre at 013-746 4357," he said.
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