Johor MMEA detains Vietnamese-registered tanker for anchoring illegally

KOTA TINGGI: The Johor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a Vietnamese-registered tanker for anchoring illegally in eastern Johor waters.

Tanjung Sedili MMEA deputy director (Operations) Maritime Commander Mohd Najib Sam said the tanker was detained at around 3.20pm on Thursday (May 26), 22.6 nautical miles (41.85km) east of Tanjung Kelesa near here.

He said the tanker’s 19 Thai and Myanmar crewmen aged between 22 and 55 years old, had valid documents.

“The captain failed to provide documents from the Marine Department, which would allow them to anchor in the area,’’ said Mohd Najib.

He said the captain and a crew were brought to the Tanjung Sedili Maritime Office to assist in the investigation.

Mohd Najib said the case is being investigated under Section 491B (1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.

If found guilty, they could be fined not more than RM100,000 or sentenced to two years jail or both.

“We will continue to monitor and prevent any illegal anchoring activities in Johor’s waters,’’ he said.