This was part of a special operation conducted in the waters of Pulau Redang near Kuala Nerus yesterday.

Terengganu MMEA director Hamiludin Che Awang said they inspected 26 passenger boats near the island.

“Among those detained was a boat carrying up to 42 passengers on a single journey. This had jeopardised the safety of everyone on board the boat.

“This is not a minor offence. This is a case of negligence that can cost lives,” Bernama reported him as saying today.

He said MMEA would not compromise with boat operators who do not provide life jackets or who carry passengers beyond the capacity permitted.

“The public is also urged to report any high-risk activities. Maritime safety is not the sole responsibility of MMEA. Don’t wait for a tragedy to happen before you act,” he said.

He said other offences detected were the absence of a passenger manifest, the captain’s name not matching details in the operating licence and expired licences.

Hamiludin said they took action against 14 crewmen and boat captains, issuing compound fines under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.

He said MMEA would intensify enforcement operations in tourist hotspots ahead of school holidays and festivals to avoid the recurrence of recent tragedies.

On June 28, three local tourists, including two children, died when the boat they were on capsized near Pulau Perhentian.

All 15 passengers, aged three to 40, were on their way back from Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Pulau Perhentian Besar when big waves suddenly caused the boat to capsize.

Besut police chief Azamuddin Ahmad@Abu said the boat skipper tested positive for drugs and also had five previous drug-related records.

He said all passengers were not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.