BATU PAHAT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), detained a Majuro-registered trading vessel after it was found anchoring illegally at 5.6 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Tohor, here today.
MMEA Batu Pahat Maritime Zone director commander Mohd Haniff Mohd Yunus, said officers patrolling the Johor waters spotted the Marshall Islands capital city Majuro-registered vessel at 9.30pm.
The vessel captain was unable to produce the required anchoring authorisation, which led to the vessel seized with its imported cargo of 1,500 metric tons of rice on its route from China to Turkey
Its 19 crewmen including the vessel's captain were of Ukrainian and Filipino nationalities aged between 27 and 53, and had valid documents.
The case is investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for anchoring without the permission of the Malaysian Maritime director general, which stipulates a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment-term not exceeding two years or both.
Mohd Haniff urged vessel owners, shipping operators, and captains, to adhere to established procedures and regulations.