Provision

 

The law governing Licensing of Boats in Malaysia is the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 under :

 

1.    Section 474  to 485, and

2.    Boat Rules, 1953 (No. 70 / 1952)

 

Every boat, which is less than 500 Gross Tonnes, that plies at any port, river or place in Malaysia for any of the following activities, must be licensed

  

1.    Trade or business

2.    The transportation of any person other than for trade or business; or

3.    sports, leisure or recreational activity

 

 

Exemption

 

Boats exempted from this provision are as follows :

 

1. Any ship registered under Part IIA of M.S.O 1952
2. In relation to the State of Sabah, any vessel licensed under the M.S.O 1960 of Sabah, and
3. In relation to the State of Sarawak, any vessel licensed under the M.S.O 1960 of Sarawak.

 

 

Qualification OF OWNERSHIP

 

A person or a body corporate shall not be deemed to be an owner of a licensed boat unless it is wholly owned by persons of the following description :

 

1.       Malaysian citizen

2.       Permanent residence of Malaysia; or

3.       Corporation which are incorporated in Malaysia and wholly owned by Malaysian citizens.

 

 

FeeS

 

Reference is made to the Twelve Schedule of M.S.O 1952. The fees charge for licensing boats is for a period of less than 12 months but not less than three months.