Malaysia: MMEA detains two tankers for illegal STS bunkering operation off Pulau Jarak
- Published
by Admin
The Perak Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Tuesday (24 March) detained two oil tankers suspected of conducting an unauthorised ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation of marine fuel oil (MFO) on 23 March.
Perak MMEA director Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob said the vessels were detained around 8pm, about 11 nautical miles east of Pulau Jarak, Lumut, after a thorough inspection was carried out.
“Investigations found that both tankers in question are suspected of conducting a bunkering operation without a permit and anchored in an area not authorised by the Director-General of the Marine Department,” he said.
He said about 750 metric tonnes (mt) of MFO was believed to have been transferred between the tankers.
Both ships were ordered to anchor at about 11.5 nautical miles east of the island to be handed over to investigating officers.
The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 as well as related provisions under the regulations of the Malaysian Maritime Department for conducting unauthorised oil transfer activities and anchoring in unauthorised areas.
“Bunkering activities without authorisation is a serious offense and strict action will be taken according to the law prescribed,” MMEA reminded.
Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 27 March, 2026
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