KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a tanker registered in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, for illegal anchoring in Johor waters.

       State maritime director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria said the vessel was detained 14.5 nautical miles east of Tanjung Penawar at around 7.15pm on Tuesday (Aug 17).

       “The vessel’s captain failed to show any documents allowing them to anchor in Malaysian waters while being inspected by MMEA during a routine patrol of the area.

       “The vessel has seven crewmen, all Indonesian nationals, between the ages of 21 and 55. All of them have legal identification documents,” he said here on Wednesday (Aug 18).

       Nurul Hizam added that the vessel would be investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which carries a fine not more than RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both upon conviction.

       He reminded vessel owners or shipping agents to follow the rules when entering Malaysian waters or immediately leave to avoid any action being taken as such operations will be intensified from time to time.

       Nurul Hizam also urged the maritime community to forward reports on any offences or emergencies to the Johor Maritime Operations Centre at 07-219 9404 or the MERS 999 emergency line.