A tanker was detained by the Malaysian authorities for allegedly anchoring without permission in Selangor waters during an enforcement operation carried out by MMEA.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) reported that the ship in question was detained about 8.8 nautical miles southwest of Sekinchan during a routine patrol.
The investigation revealed that the tanker was operated by a 60-year-old Vietnamese captain along with 13 crew members, consisting of 12 Vietnamese and one Myanmar national aged between 20 and 51 years. All of them were found to have valid travel documents.
An official said the ship’s captain failed to produce an anchoring permit document issued by the Malaysian Marine Department and is suspected of committing an offence under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for anchoring without permission.
A detention order has been issued for the tanker, while the captain and chief engineer are assisting with the investigation.
The official stressed that the Malaysian authorities will not compromise on any violation of maritime laws and will continue to strengthen enforcement operations to ensure that safety, order and compliance with the law in the country’s waters are always maintained.
He also reminded all operators and shipowners to obtain permission from the Malaysian Marine Department before carrying out any anchoring activities in the country’s waters to avoid legal action.
