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

       Johor MMEA First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria said the tanker was detained at around 10.30am on Sunday (Nov 7), 8.3 nautical miles (15.4km) east of Tanjung Siang near here.

       He said the tanker's 14 Thai crewmen, aged between 25 and 51, had valid documents.

       “The tanker arrived at the location on Saturday (Nov 6) but the captain failed to provide documents from the Marine Department allowing them to anchor in the area," First Adm Nurul Hizam said in a statement on Monday (Nov 8).

       He said the captain and chief engineer were brought to the Tanjung Sedili Maritime Office to assist in investigations.

       First Adm Nurul Hizam said the case would be 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.

       He also urged the public to contact the Johor MMEA operations centre at 07-2199 401 or MERS 999 if they have any information on maritime crimes.