The Rakyat Post reported the master of the 179-gt Labuan Express Lima (built 2000) was detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Wednesday.
Almost half its passengers lacked proper documents.
The vessel was heading towards Nunukan when it was intercepted for routine checks.
A total of 38 Indonesians did not possess travel documents. They have also been detained.
The ship is operated by Lista of Sarawak.
