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Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Marine pollution threatens blue economy
Listen to article Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has warned that marine pollution poses a severe threat to Pakistan's blue economy. It harms biodiversity, fisheries, and tourism while also contributing to climate change, economic loss, and public health risks. According to an official statement, the minister issued this warning while chairing a meeting of the Marine Pollution Control Board. Representatives from all relevant ministries and departments were present. To address the crisis, two committees were formed to identify key issues and submit reports within 20 days. These will focus on the Sewage Treatment Plant-III (STP-III) and the Combined Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), both aimed at treating industrial and municipal wastewater. The minister expressed displeasure over a 15-year gap in board meetings and directed that regular sessions now be held. He also called for a comprehensive public awareness campaign and urged stakeholders to engage the public in tackling marine pollution. He stressed the need for strict enforcement of environmental laws under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance and the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, with heavy penalties for violators. Chaudhry advocated expanding SEPA's powers to ensure effective regulation. He stated that up to 90% of land-based marine pollutionmainly untreated sewage and solid wastecould be prevented with targeted measures. He highlighted the far-reaching impacts of pollution, including contaminated seafood, declining fish stocks, lost tourism revenue, and erosion of coastal infrastructure. He also warned of marine habitat destruction and possible species extinction. Sea-based pollution, such as ship waste, ballast water discharge, offshore drilling, fishing operations, and shipbreaking, contributes about 10% to overall marine pollution. The minister urged the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and maritime authorities to enforce stricter controls. Officials briefed the minister on Karachi's alarming pollution levels. The city releases over 472 million gallons of sewage daily, including nearly 100 million gallons of industrial waste. This flows into the Lyari and Malir rivers, eventually reaching the Arabian Sea. Solid wasteincluding plastics, recyclables, and biodegradable materialsis dumped near coastal zones, worsening marine degradation. Proposed solutions include installing nets on stormwater drains, fencing rivers, and removing floating trash from harbours. The statement also urged expediting the completion of the Sewerage Treatment Project and building new plants in critical areas like Manora, Baba Bhit, Kalri, and Phitti nullahs.
New Straits Times
20-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Indonesian among two held for ferrying tourists without licences
KUALA TERENGGANU: Two boat operators, including an Indonesian national, have been detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for ferrying passengers to Pulau Perhentian without valid licences. Terengganu Maritime director Captain Hamiludin Che Awang said both boats were intercepted during routine patrols at 11am and 12pm yesterday. "At the time of the interceptions, one boat was travelling from Pulau Serenggeh to Long Beach, while the other was en route from Ombak Dive to a diving site at Pulau Perhentian," he said in a statement. The first boat was operated by a 35-year-old Malaysian man, and the second by a 24-year-old Indonesian man. Both individuals are being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO), which carries a maximum fine of RM10,000 upon conviction. Hamiludin said that such irresponsible behaviour not only violates maritime regulations but also endangers the lives of passengers. "Unlicensed boats usually bypass technical and safety inspections, putting passengers at high risk during emergencies at sea," he said.
The Star
26-05-2025
- The Star
Selangor MMEA detains boats off Selangor for licence violations
PORT KLANG: The Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two passenger boats on Sunday for licence violations by not naming the vessels' skippers in their documents. Selangor Maritime director Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the boats were detained separately by agency patrols conducting routine operations. The first boat, sailing from Westport waters towards the Royal Selangor Yacht Club jetty, was detained at 6.08pm. "The boat was detained 0.3 nautical miles south of Tanjung Harapan, where two men were found on board," said Captain Abdul Muhaimin. The men are aged 37 and 39 and are Malaysians, with one serving as the vessel's skipper. The second boat was detained 14 minutes later nearby, en route from Pulau Angsa waters to Westport. "Preliminary investigations revealed the boat was operated by a 30-year-old local man acting as skipper," said Captain Abdul Muhaimin. The names of both skippers were not on the boats' valid registration documents, breaching legal provisions. "Both boats were escorted to the Marine Police jetty in Pulau Indah and handed over to the Selangor Maritime Malaysia investigating officer," said Captain Abdul Muhaimin. The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO 1952) for failing to update the skippers' names and not adhering to licensing requirements. Captain Abdul Muhaimin then said that it is important to comply with licensing provisions to avoid legal action. "Maritime Malaysia will not tolerate individuals who breach maritime rules. A boat's licence is a responsibility for everyone's safety," he said. The public can report maritime emergencies by calling the Selangor Maritime Operations Centre at 03-31760627 or through 999.
New Straits Times
17-05-2025
- New Straits Times
MMEA detains cargo ship for anchoring without permit in Sekinchan
Slug: izcargo HL: MMEA detains cargo ship for anchoring without permit in Sekinchan By Amirul Aiman Hamsuddin SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a cargo ship on Thursday for anchoring without permission in Sekinchan, Selangor. The Liberia-registered vessel was intercepted at 1.20pm southwest of Sekinchan. Selangor maritime director, Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh, said the ship's location was identified based on information from the Klang Maritime Surveillance System Area Control Centre (ACC). Checks with the Central Region Marine Department confirmed that the container ship had not applied for anchoring permission. "A maritime patrol boat was dispatched to the location. Initial checks revealed the ship was operated by a 44-year-old Russian captain, along with 23 crew members of various nationalities aged between 32 and 50. "All of them possessed valid identification documents. However, further checks found that the ship's captain failed to present any document granting permission to anchor," he said yesterday. Abdul Muhaimin said a detention order was issued for the vessel, while the captain and one of his officers were brought to the Selangor MMEA headquarters for further investigation. The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO 1952) for anchoring without permission from the Malaysian Marine Department director-general.
Daily Express
14-05-2025
- Daily Express
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency detains fishing vessel
Published on: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 14, 2025 Text Size: The vessel intercepted. Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a local fishing vessel operating suspiciously some 31.6 nautical miles west of Tanjung Aru, here, on Monday. The vessel, carrying a skipper and five crew members, was intercepted around 4.10pm during a routine patrol in the Beting Menggalong waters. 'An inspection revealed that the vessel violated the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 by failing to meet minimum crew requirements,' said Sabah and Labuan MMEA Director First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid @ Razali. Two crew members were found without any valid identification documents or work permits, violating the Immigration Act 1959/63. 'The vessel and crew, along with some 900kg of mixed fish, were detained and escorted to the Malaysian Maritime Jetty in Sepanggar for further investigation,' he said. The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM200,000. He said the MMEA has zero tolerance for those who deliberately break the law and disregard safety aspects and operational regulations at sea. 'Maritime Malaysia will continue to tighten monitoring, particularly in hotspot areas identified as gathering points for fishing vessels that defy established regulations,' he said. He urged the public to continue providing information about any suspicious activities by contacting the Sabah and Labuan Maritime Operations Centre at 088-387774 or the 24-hour emergency line 999. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
