BATU PAHAT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a commerce ship for illegal anchoring some 5.6 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Tohor here.
Batu Pahat maritime zone director Maritime Commander Mohd Haniff Mohd Yunus said that the vessel was detained at around 9.30pm on Friday (Jan 5) after its captain failed to produce documents that allowed it to anchor legally during inspection by his men.
“The vessel is registered in Majuro, which is the capital of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. It has 19 crewmembers who are Ukrainian and Filipino and they are aged between 27 and 53.
"All of them have legal travel documents," said Mohd Haniff.
He added that the vessel was carrying 1,500 metric tons of imported rice from China to Turkiye when it was detained in Malaysian waters.
Mohd Haniff said on Saturday (Jan 6) the case is being investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for illegal anchoring.
He added that the MMEA would like to remind shipping owners and captains to always follow all procedures and rules.
"We will take action without compromise against anyone as part of our efforts against illegal anchoring in Malaysian waters," he added.
