The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime) of Melaka and Negeri Sembilan detained a tanker for unauthorised berthing at Tanjong Dahan yesterday.
Captain Maritime Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz, the state Maritime Director, reported that the vessel was apprehended at 11:30 am after the Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA) detected it approximately 7.5 nautical miles southwest of Tanjong Dahan.
The Maritime Patrol Boat, conducting routine patrols under Op Murni/ Op Tiris Phase 2.0, was swiftly directed to the location and successfully identified the reported vessel.
Upon inspection, the vessel registered in Limbe, Cameroon, was found to be operated by a crew of six, including the captain, all Iranian nationals aged between 37 and 70.
Further examination of the vessel, en route from Japan to Dubai, revealed a lack of ship insurance documents. Captain Mohd Khairi stated that the detained captain has been brought to the Maritime offices in Melaka and Negeri Sembilan to assist in the investigation. It is suspected that the vessel violated the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 by berthing without permission from the Director-General of the Malaysian Maritime Department and lacking proper ship insurance documentation.
“Maritime remains vigilant and committed to monitoring operations and enforcing laws to ensure the safety of the nation’s waters against any activities that pose a threat to national security,” commented Mohd Khairi.
He urged the public to report any maritime misconduct to the Maritime Operations Center in Melaka and Negeri Sembilan at 06-3876730 and MERS999, which operates 24/7.
