KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two vessels suspected of carrying out an unauthorised ship-to-ship transfer in Malaysian waters.
Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone acting director Maritime Commander Mohd Najib Sam said the vessels were detained at about 3.20am on Tuesday (Sept 1) by an MMEA patrol boat after receiving public information about two suspicious vessels seen alongside each other about 1.4 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Buai here.
“Checks found that the two vessels comprised a tugboat and a dredger, both registered in Malaysia,” he said here on Wednesday (Sept 2).
He added that the tugboat was operated by five crew members, including its captain, comprising Malaysians and Indonesians aged between 26 and 58, while the dredger had 13 crew members, including its captain, all Malaysians aged between 22 and 51.
“Further inspection also found a quantity of oil cargo believed to be without relevant ownership and delivery documents. Both vessels, together with the oil cargo, were detained for further investigation,” he said.
Mohd Najib added the case was being investigated under Section 491B(1)(K) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 for allegedly carrying out ship-to-ship activities without the permission of the Malaysian Marine Department director, as well as Section 491B(1)(L) of the same ordinance for anchoring without permission.
He said the case is also being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 in connection with the oil cargo suspected of lacking the necessary documentation.
“The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM260mil, involving both vessels and the oil cargo,” he said, adding that information from the public had been instrumental in helping MMEA detect suspicious activities and offences in Malaysian waters.
Mohd Najib urged those with information on criminal activities or other offences at sea can contact the MERS 999 or the Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone headquarters operations centre at 07-8916595.
