The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has seized a commercial ship for unauthorized anchoring about 5.6 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Tohor in Batu Pahat.
According to the director of the Batu Pahat maritime zone, Maritime Commander Mohd Haniff Mohd Yunus, the vessel was detained around 9:30pm on Friday after the captain was unable to provide the necessary documents allowing for legal anchoring during an inspection by MMEA personnel.
The vessel, registered in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, was transporting 1,500 metric tons of imported rice from China to Turkiye at the time of its seizure. It had 19 crew members, all of whom were Ukrainian and Filipino and aged between 27 and 53, with valid travel documents.
Mohd Haniff added that the vessel was carrying 1,500 metric tons of imported rice from China to Turkiye when it was detained in Malaysian waters.
Mohd Haniff stated on Saturday that the case is being investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for unauthorized anchoring.
He also reminded shipping owners and captains to strictly adhere to all procedures and rules, emphasizing that the MMEA will take uncompromising action against anyone involved in illegal anchoring in Malaysian waters.
