MMEA Detains Tanker Anchoring Without Permission In Selangor Waters

SHAH ALAM, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Selangor detained an oil tanker that was found anchored without permission in the waters around Port Klang near here yesterday.

Selangor MMEA director Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the vessel involved was detained at about 3 pm at 0.9 nautical mile west of Port Klang following a complaint received from Port Klang Authority (LPK).

“The inspection found that the vessel was operated by a captain with four crew members, all Indonesians aged between 21 and 59. Although all the crew had valid identification documents, the captain of the ship failed to produce any documents authorising anchoring.

“Therefore, an offence has been committed under Section 491B(1)(l) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for anchoring without permission from the director-general of the Malaysian Marine Department (JLM),” he said in a statement today.

Abdul Muhaimin said an arrest warrant had been issued for the ship and the captain of the ship was taken to the Selangor State Maritime Headquarters to assist in further investigations.

He also stressed that the Malaysian Maritime will not compromise on any violation of maritime laws, besides reminding ship operators and owners to obtain permission to anchor from JLM and comply with the regulations set.

“MMEA views compliance with the law seriously and strict action will be taken to ensure the well-being and safety of the country’s waters, especially Selangor waters.

"The public and the maritime community can channel any information regarding suspicious activities at sea via the 999 emergency line or the Selangor State Maritime Operations Centre for immediate action," he said.

-- BERNAMA