KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained two tankers for anchoring illegally in waters off east Johor.

       Johor MMEA director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria said both ships – one registered in Liberia and the other in Vietnam – were found anchored about 15 nautical miles (27.7km) north-east of Tanjung Penawar here.

       He added that the first ship was detained on Thursday (Sept 9) and was crewed by 22 men from the Philippines aged between 24 and 50.

       “The second ship was located nearby and was detained on Saturday (Sept 11). It was crewed by 27 men from Vietnam aged between 20 and 47. All crew members from both ships were travelling with valid documents.

       “Both ships' captains also said they were unaware that they were anchoring in Malaysian waters,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 12).

       The act is an offence under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.

       The offence is punishable with a fine of not more than RM100,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years, or both, upon conviction.