GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Penang detained two oil tankers suspected of transferring crude oil worth more than RM512mil in the state’s waters on Thursday (Jan 29).
Penang Maritime director Maritime Capt Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said a marine patrol boat received a report at 1am that two oil tankers, anchored 24 nautical miles west of Muka Head, were suspected of conducting oil transfer activities.
Inspections at the location found both vessels moored together and suspected of engaging in ship-to-ship transfer activities.
"The two vessels are believed to have carried out crude oil transfer activities involving 53 crew members comprising Chinese, Myanmar, Iranian, Pakistani and Indian nationals.
"The value of the seized crude oil exceeded RM512mil, while the value of both oil tankers amounted to RM718mil,” he said in a statement on Saturday (Jan 31).
Muhammad Suffi said the ship captains and the vessels were subsequently detained before being handed over to investigation officers from the Penang MMEA for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 491B(1)(l) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for anchoring without permission from the Marine Department director-general. – Bernama
