KOTA TINGGI: A Panama-registered tanker has been detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for anchoring illegally in eastern Johor waters.
MMEA Tanjung Sedili Zone acting director Maritime Cmdr Mohd Najib Sam said the ship was seized at 11am on Monday (Nov 27) some 15.8 nautical miles (29.2km) east of Tanjung Penawar.
"Following checks on the ship, we found that its captain failed to provide any documents indicating that permission had been obtained to anchor in Malaysian waters," he said on Tuesday (Nov 28).
He noted that there were 17 crewmen on the ship aged between 21 and 58 from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.
The case is being investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for anchoring illegally, which is punishable with a maximum fine of RM100,000 or a jail term of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
"We would like to once again remind all parties, including ship captains, to always adhere to the rules and procedures.
"Action will be taken without compromise against those who fail to comply," Mohd Najib said.
