MMEA detains Malaysian-registered vessels in illegal STS oil transfer operation
- Published
by Admin
The Sabah and Labuan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Tuesday (16 July) detained two cargo ships for illegally transferring diesel without approval near Pulau Mantanani, Sabah.
The two ships were spotted by Arau maritime ship (KM Arau) during a patrol.
Sabah and Labuan MMEA director Maritime First Admiral Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik siad the two ships were suspiciously in close proximity.
KM Arau then approached the two vessels believed to be carrying out a ship-to-ship oil transfer.
“Upon inspection both vessels were found to be registered in Malaysia and were operated by eight Malaysian crew,” he said.
Further investigation found both were unable to provide documentation to transfer diesel.
Both ships were brought in for probe under Control of Supplies Act 1961, Customs Act 1987 and Petroleum Development Act 1974.
The total seizure of vessels and diesel was estimated to be about MYR 80,000 (USD 17,141.63 USD).
Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 18 July 2024
