Malaysia: MMEA detains foreign cargo ship for illegal anchoring off Melaka

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Sunday (12 October) detained a foreign cargo ship for anchoring without permission in the waters southwest of Undan Island, Melaka on 11 October. 

Melaka and Negeri Sembilan MMEA director Maritime Captain Salehuddin Zakaria said the ship was intercepted after behaving suspiciously about 3.9 nautical miles southwest of the island. 

“Following the information, a MMEA patrol boat that is currently carrying out Ops Murni was deployed to the location for further action,” he said. 

Investigations found that the cargo ship is suspected of not reporting its arrival and anchoring without permission of the Director General of the Malaysian Marine Department under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952. 

The vessel, manned by nine Chinese and two Indian nationals, was detained at around 10.10pm.

Two crew members were brought to the Melaka and Negeri Sembilan Maritime Office to be handed over to an Investigating officer for further action. 

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 15 October, 2025