KOTA TINGGI: A South Korea-registered tanker has been detained for anchoring off Johor without a permit to do so.

       Johor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria (pic) said the ship was spotted by a patrol unit 15 nautical miles (about 28km) east of Tanjung Siang at around 5.15pm on Monday (Aug 9).

       “We found that the ship had been anchoring in the area since last Friday (Aug 6) while awaiting further instructions from its shipping company,” said Nurul Hizam.

       "However, the ship’s master did not inform the authorities about their arrival and also failed to produce any permit needed to anchor in Malaysian waters,” he added.

       Nurul Hizam said the ship had 18 crewmen from South Korea, Indonesia and Myanmar aged between 19 and 58 and they all possessed valid travel documents.

       He said the vessel was detained under Section 49B(1(I) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which carries a fine of not more than RM100,000, a jail term of not more than two years or both upon conviction

       “The ship’s master and chief engineer were brought to the Tanjung Sedili marine zone office for further investigations,” said Nurul Hizam.

       He added that ship operators are advised to follow Malaysia’s rules and regulations before anchoring or conducting any activities here to avoid legal action that could be taken against them.

       Those with information about such activities or emergencies can contact the Johor maritime operation centre at 07-219 9404.