Malaysia: MMEA detains oil tanker off Miri for storing diesel fuel without licence

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Wednesday (11 March) said it detained an oil tanker on suspicion of violating the Control of Supplies Act 1961 during a routine inspection in the waters of Kuala Baram on 10 March. 

Miri Maritime Zone director Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said the vessel was detained at about 1.35pm by a patrol vessel at about 4.7 nautical miles south west of Kuala Baram.

During inspection it was found that the oil tanker failed to present a Scheduled Controlled Goods Licence (CSA) for the storage and transfer of diesel fuel as provided for under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

“Besides, the vessel was also found unseaworthy because it does not have an anchor, which is an offense under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952,” he said.

The vessel was operated by a Malaysian captain along with two Malaysians and an Indonesian, aged between 34 and 65 years old.

All of them were detained with the vessel and brought to the Miri Vessel Detention Centre to assist in further investigation.

The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961. 

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 11 March, 2026