KOTA TINGGI: An Italian-registered tanker ship has been detained in Johor waters for illegal anchoring.
Johor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria said the ship was found at 12.6 nautical miles east of Tanjung Penawar here at around 2.45pm on Saturday (April 3).
"Checks found that the ship, registered in Torre Del Greco, Italy, did not obtain an approval from the Marine Department to anchor in Malaysian waters.
"The ship's master and chief officer were brought to the Tanjung Sedili maritime zone office for investigations.
"They could be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed for not more than two years' upon conviction," he said.
He added that the ship, detained under Operations Jangkar Haram, was the 19th vessel detained since March 24.
"Since the beginning of 2021, we have detained a total of 37 vessels for various illegal activities and we will continue doing so as illegal anchoring is among the serious offences we are focusing on," he said.
Nurul Hizam urged the maritime community to comply with local laws and regulations before conducting their activities.
Those with information about such activities can contact the Johor maritime operation centre at 07-219 9404.
