Malaysia: MMEA detains cargo vessel for illegal anchoring off Sekinchan

Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Wednesday (1 January) detained a cargo ship for anchoring without permission about 26 nautical miles southwest of Sekinchan at 1.40pm on 31 December.

Selangor MMEA director Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the ship was detected on the Malaysian Maritime Sea Surveillance System (Swasla) in Klang and was detained by a MMEA patrol boat during an operation at Selangor waters. 

The vessel is believed to have been travelling from Singapore to India with 22 male crew members onboard including a captain. 

All crew members were Chinese nationals and aged between 28 and 63, who held valid identification documents. 

Further investigation found that the ship’s captain failed to submit any authorisation document of to anchor in Malaysian waters.

The case is being investigated under Section 491B (1) (l) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which carries a fine of not more than MYR 100,000 or a jail term of not more than two years, or both, for anchoring without permission.

An arrest warrant on the vessel was issued and two crew members have been taken to the Selangor State Maritime Headquarters for further investigation.

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 3 January, 2025