Malaysia: MMEA detains oil tanker over suspected illegal anchoring off Perak

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Sunday (18 October) detained an oil tanker anchoring without permission off Perak waters during an enforcement operation carried out on 17 October.

Selangor MMEA director Maritime Capt Mohamad Shukri Khotob said the tanker was detected approximately 5.9 nautical miles off Pulau Pangkor, Perak, at 1.26pm during the operation in the Strait of Malacca. 

“The investigation revealed that the tanker was operated by five crew members, consisting of four Myanmar nationals, including the captain, and one Indonesian, aged between 34 and 59,” he said. 

“Further checks found that the vessel was suspected of anchoring without authorisation and also failed to present insurance policies related to Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC) as required.”

The captain and chief engineer were brought to Perak MMEA headquarters to assist in further investigations while documents relating to the tanker were also seized for further action. 

The case is being investigated under relevant provisions of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 19 October, 2026