Malaysia: MMEA detains tanker for illegal anchoring in Sekinchan waters

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Tuesday (19 December) said a tanker was detained for illegal anchoring in Sekinchan waters on 17 December. 

MMEA Selangor director Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the vessel with 12 crew members onboard, was detained at 11am at 11 nautical miles southwest of Sekinchan.

He said the arrest was made by his team involved in OP EHSAN and OP TIRIS after detecting the vessel at around 10.30 am.

According to Abdul Muhaimin, the vessel was operated by 12 male crew members including the captain, aged between 20 to 55 years, from Indonesia and Myanmar. 

The case will be investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for anchoring without permission. If found guilty, individuals may be fined not exceeding MYR 100,000 or face an imprisonment term of not more than two years, or both.

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Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 20 December, 2023