PORT KLANG: The Selangor branch of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), in collaboration with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), conducted a special operation in Port Klang waters, inspecting 50 vessels and boats to curb the smuggling of controlled goods.
Its director, Muhamad Hanif Asa’ari, said the three-day operation, which began on March 11, involved 25 enforcement personnel — 15 from KPDN and 10 from Selangor MMEA — supported by maritime assets to monitor trading activities in the port area.
“Inspections were carried out on 50 vessels and boats, including barter trade vessels, cargo ships, local fishing boats and tugboats operating in Port Klang waters. The joint operation aims to ensure that operators of fishing boats, ferries, tankers and cargo vessels comply with regulations under the Control of Supplies Act 1961,” he told reporters at the Marine Police Force jetty in Pulau Indah last night.
He added that the operation also targeted merchant vessels from both within and outside the country conducting trade at major ports, including Northport and Westport, and inspections were extended to barter trade and private jetties involved in the trading of controlled goods.
Muhamad Hanif said that, in addition to enforcing the Control of Supplies Act 1961, the ministry had broadened the scope of inspections to ensure compliance with the Weights and Measures Act 1972.
“All weighing and measuring instruments used for transactions on vessels or boats must be verified by the relevant authorities to guarantee accurate measurements during trading activities,” he said.
During the operation, it also carried out advocacy work and issued warnings to vessel operators to ensure their instruments were verified and within the valid certification period. Offenders found guilty of violating the law may face fines of up to RM40,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
Muhamad Hanif added that the ministry would continue to strengthen cooperation with Selangor MMEA and other enforcement agencies to ensure more coordinated enforcement in the public interest.
Also present at the operation was Selangor MMEA director Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
