Malaysia: MMEA detains Majuro-registered geared bulk carrier for illegally anchoring in Batu Pahat waters

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Saturday (6 January) said a Majuro-registered geared bulk carrier has been detained for illegally anchoring at 5.6 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Tohor in Batu Pahat, Johor. 

Batu Pahat maritime zone director Maritime Commander Mohd Haniff Mohd Yunus said the ship was detained by a MMEA patrol boat at 9.30pm after the captain failed to produce documents for anchoring legally during inspection.

The ship’s 19 crew members including the captain were Ukrainians and Filipinos and were aged between 27 to 53 years.

“All of them have valid travel documents,” he said.

He added the ship was carrying 1,500 metric tonnes of imported rice from China to Turkey when it was detained in Malaysian waters. 

“The case is being investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for illegal anchoring,” Mohd Haniff said. 

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 8 January, 2024