MV Berkat Tuah Crew Wages Case Complex, Marine Dept Studies Receivership

Malaysia's Marine Department is actively exploring a receivership mechanism to ensure the crew of the MV Berkat Tuah receive their unpaid wages. The department will appoint a receivership manager, with approval from the Attorney General's Chambers, if the ship's operating company defaults on its payment obligations.

Datuk Dickson Dollah, Director-General of the Marine Department, explained that funds from the operating company's other contracts would be channeled to settle the crew's back pay and other related debts. "If they refuse, then we use the receivership method," he stated, emphasizing that government involvement necessitates proper legal channels and approvals.

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If they refuse, then we use the receivership method.

This complex case involves five crew members who have been stranded for nearly a year awaiting their wages. Dickson described the situation as one of the most intricate he has encountered, citing issues such as port charges, debts involving shipping agents, and the complexities of dealing with a private port operator in the UAE. "Actually, there are many more expenses needed before the ship can operate again," he noted.

The MV Berkat Tuah cannot easily change its flag of registration due to ongoing legal actions by the UAE government. Dickson anticipates that resolving the various financial claims and logistical challenges will likely extend the process for over a year. The department's intervention aims to provide a legal pathway to address the crew's plight, even as the overall resolution remains a lengthy prospect.

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Actually, there are many more expenses needed before the ship can operate again.