KOTA TINGGI: Two foreign-registered vessels have been detained for illegal anchoring in eastern Johor waters.
Johor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria said the two vessels were spotted and detained during routine surveillance.
“The first vessel was from Basseterre in Saint Kitts and Nevis and detected at 1pm on Monday (Jan 8) eight nautical miles (14km) east of Tanjung Siang.
“The second vessel, from Majuro in the Marshall Islands, was detained at 1.10pm the same day 11.8 nautical miles (21km) east of Tanjung Lompat,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 9).
First Adm Nurul Hizam added that both ships' captains also failed to provide any documents allowing them to anchor in Malaysian waters.
“The cases are being investigated under Section 49B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which carries a fine of not more than RM100,000, a jail term of not more than two years, or both, upon conviction.
“The vessel from Basseterre is also being investigated under Section 361(1) of the ordinance for not complying with the requirement of mandatory insurance,” he said.
MMEA recorded 88 cases of illegal anchoring last year, with the compounds amounting to RM2.2mil.
“We would like to remind all vessel owners to comply with the law, as we will not hesitate to take stern action against any vessel caught anchoring illegally,” he added.
