KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a tanker for anchoring illegally in the waters off eastern Johor yesterday.
MMEA's acting director, maritime commander Mohd Najib Sam, said the Panama-registered tanker was detained at 11 am, 15.8 nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Penawar, after the captain failed to produce any authorisation documents during inspection.
The vessel, manned by 17 crew members including its captain, of various nationalities, including Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, had valid travel documents.
The case is under investigation under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952. Offenders can face a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment up to two years, or both.
Mohd Najib reminded vessel owners, shipping companies, and captains to strictly adhere to procedures and regulations while in Malaysian waters.