The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that eight Filipino seafarers have been detained in Malaysia for allegedly violating immigration laws.
The Filipino crew members were aboard the vessel MT Krishna 1 and are currently being held at a police station in Kota Tinggi.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Labor Attaché Jocelyn Ortega and a lawyer from the DMW-Migrant Workers’ Office visited the detained seafarers and expressed the Philippine government’s support to the investigating officer.
Secretary Cacdac also expressed gratitude to Malaysian authorities for allowing the welfare visit and acknowledged the assistance of Philippine Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, Charles P. Ponce.
The DMW is conducting an investigation into the licensed manning agency (LMA) and the shipowner to determine the cause of the seafarers’ detention and to ensure that appropriate legal steps are taken.
Meanwhile, the LMA assured that the salaries and benefits of the Filipino crew will continue to be paid while the case is being processed.
