Malaysia: MMEA detains Bridgetown-registered tanker in Batu Pahat waters

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Sunday (27 July) said it detained a Bridgetown- registered tanker for anchoring without permission in Batu Pahat waters, Johor, on 26  July. 

Batu Pahat Maritime Zone director Maritime Commander Mohammad Zaini Zainal said the tanker was detained by a MMEA patrol vessel at 12.30 am about 12.8 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Segenting after the captain failed to present any anchoring documents during the inspection.

The stranded vessel is operated by 18 crew members including the captain and are all Indians aged between 22 to 45 years, who had valid travel documents. 

The tanker departed from Dubai and then entered the Port of Tanjung Bruas, Melaka to load 6,894 metric tonnes (mt) of tar on its way to Vietnam.

The case is being investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for anchoring without the approval of the Malaysian Marine Department director-general, 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.

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 28 July, 2025