Malaysia: MMEA detains Vietnam-registered cargo ship over alleged anchoring violation

The Johor division of Maritime Malaysia Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Tuesday (5 April) said it has detained a cargo ship suspected of anchoring without permission in East Johor waters on 4 April.

Director of Maritime State of Johor, First Admiral Nurul Hizam bin Zakaria, said the cargo ship was carrying a load of leftover palm powder and detained during an enforcement patrol at 23 nautical miles east of Penawar Cape around 3.30 pm on Monday.

The 105-meter cargo ship was operated by 18 Vietnamese crew between 22 and 50 years old who all had a valid self-identification documentation.

Further investigation found the cargo ship’s Captain failing to submit any documents to the Malaysian Sea Director.

As such, the ship with its entire crew was detained under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 which allocates a fine of not more than RM100,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years, or both, if found guilty.

A series of vessel detentions made by MMEA earlier this year can be found below:

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Photo credit: Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 6 April, 2022