Malaysia: MMEA arrests Port Klang registered tanker over alleged illegal anchoring

The Johor State division of Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Thursday (12 August) said it has arrested a Port Klang registered tanker on Wednesday over an alleged illegal anchoring violation.

The oil tanker was arrested by MMEA assets at 4.1 miles northeast of Tanjung Pungai, Johor during an operational patrol around 11.25 am, according to Johor State Maritime Director, First Admiral Nurul Hizam bin Zakaria.

The tanker was operated by nine Indonesian crews and two local crews between 20 years and 40 years old; all had valid self-introduction documents when checked.

However, further examination found the Captain failing to present any permission documents from the Director of the Malaysian Sea.

As such, the vessel and selected personnel were arrested under Section 491B (1)(l) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952. If found guilty, parties face a fine not exceeding RM 100,000 or an imprisonment term for not more than two years, or both.

“Malaysian Maritime will not compromise in carrying out tasks and always be serious in carrying out responsibilities to protect the sovereignty and safety of the country’s water,” stated MMEA.

“Any complaints about maritime or emergency crimes should be highlighted to the Johor State Maritime Operations Center at (07-219 9404) or MERS emergency line 999.”

A series of earlier MMEA detentions in 2021 have been reported by Manifold Times (below):

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Photo credit: MMEA
Published: 13 August, 2021