Two tankers detained for anchoring illegally in Johor waters

KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained two tankers for anchoring illegally in waters off east Johor.

Johor MMEA director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria (pic) said both ships' captains have also been detained for failing to obtain approval to anchor in Malaysian waters.

"The first tanker was registered in Hong Kong and seized at 10.45am about 9.3 nautical miles (17.2km) east of Tanjung Lompat.

"The second tanker from Thailand was seized at about 11.44am, some 20.1 nautical miles (37.2km) east of Tanjung Siang," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 5).

He added that the first ship was crewed by 17 men from China and Myanmar, aged between 24 and 51.

"As for the second ship, it was crewed by 16 men from Thailand aged between 26 and 57.

"All crew members were travelling with valid personal identification," he added.

He also said the case was being investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.

The offence is punishable with a fine of not more than RM100,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years, or both, upon conviction.