KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained three vessels for anchoring illegally in east Johor waters near here.

       MMEA Johor director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria said his personnel first spotted a tugboat and a barge at 11 nautical miles (about 20.3km) east of Tanjung Penawar at around 10.30am on Tuesday (Nov 9).

       "The Kuching-registered vessels were carrying an all-Indonesian crew of nine, aged 27 to 45 years old.

       "At around 2.25pm, we detained a third ship, a Malabo-registered tanker vessel at 12.5 nautical miles (about 23.1km) northeast of Tanjung Siang," he said, adding that the vessel was also carrying eight crew including its captain.

       He said when questioned, the vessels’ respective captains failed to produce a valid anchoring permit issued by the Marine Department.

       First Admiral Nurul Hizam said the vessels were detained for investigations under the Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which was punishable with a maximum fine of RM100,000 or a jail term of up to two years, or both.

       "Those found guilty for failing to alert the Marine Department about the ship’s arrival could face a fine of up to RM5,000 under Section 449 of the same Act.

       "I strongly advise ship operators to abide by the law and apply for the necessary permits before conducting activities in Malaysian waters or face stern actions," he added.