KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) had seized an Indonesian cargo vessel for illegally anchoring in eastern Johor waters.

       Johor MMEA chief First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria said the Pontianak-registered vessel was seized at 12.35pm Monday (March 28) some 18.4 nautical miles east of Tanjung Balau near here.

       He said the vessel and its crew of 12 Indonesians, aged between 23 and 46 years old, had valid identification documents.

       “The vessel had arrived at the location on Friday (March 25) and the captain failed to provide documents from the Marine Department allowing them to anchor in the area," Nurul said.

       He said the captain and chief engineer were brought to the Tanjung Sedili Maritime office to assist with the investigation.

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

       Nurul said if found guilty, they could be fined not more than RM100,00 or two years' jail or both.

       “We will continue to monitor and ensure that Johor’s waters will be free from illegal anchoring activities," he said.

       Nurul urged members of the public to contact the Johor MMEA Operation Centre at 07-219 9401 or MERS 999 if they have any information on maritime crimes.