MMEA impounds tanker for illegally anchoring in waters off Tg Piai

JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has impounded a tanker for anchoring illegally in Tanjung Piai on Wednesday (Jan 12).

Johor MMEA chief First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria said the Port Klang-registered tanker was impounded at around 3.20pm Wednesday some 4.5 nautical miles (8.33km) east of Tanjung Piai in Pontian.

He said the tanker’s six Indonesian crewmen, aged between 25 and 52 years, had valid documents.

“However, the tanker did not have documents from the Marine Department allowing it to anchor in the area," Nurul Hizam said in a statement Thursday (Jan 13).

He said the captain and the chief engineer were brought to Johor MMEA headquarters to assist in investigations.

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

If found guilty, they could be fined not more than RM100,000 or sentenced to two years jail, or both.

He also urged the public to contact the Johor MMEA operations centre at 07-219 9401 or MERS 999 if they have any information on maritime crimes.