- MMEA Intercepts Vessel Off Tanjung Segenting for Lack of Permits.
- 18 Crew Held After Tanker Anchors Without Approval in Malaysia.
- Foreign Tanker Detained While En Route to Vietnam.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) took action on July 26 by detaining a foreign-flagged tanker that was found anchoring without permission in the waters of Batu Pahat, off Johor’s coast, reports Manifold Times.
Detention After Inspection Near Tanjung Segenting
Maritime Commander Mohammad Zaini Zainal, the director of the Batu Pahat Maritime Zone, reported that an MMEA patrol boat intercepted the vessel at around 12:30 am, roughly 12.8 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Segenting. During the inspection, the captain couldn’t provide the necessary anchoring documents, which resulted in the vessel being detained.
18 Indian Crew Members Onboard
The tanker is crewed by 18 Indian nationals, including the captain, all aged between 22 and 45 years. Authorities have confirmed that the crew members hold valid travel documents.
The tanker had set sail from Dubai and made a stop at the Port of Tanjung Bruas in Melaka, where it loaded about 6,894 metric tonnes of tar. At the time of its detention, the vessel was on its way to Vietnam.
Legal Action Under Malaysian Shipping Law
This incident is currently under investigation according to Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which addresses the issue of anchoring without the approval of the Malaysian Marine Department’s director-general. If found guilty, the penalties could include a fine of up to MYR 100,000, a maximum of two years in prison, or both.
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Source: Manifold Times
