KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two African-registered vessels for anchoring illegally in Malaysian waters here yesterday.
State MMEA director Maritime First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria said a Sierra Leone-registered cargo ship was detained at 13.5 nautical miles east of Tanjung Penawar.
A Comoros-registered tanker was detained nine nautical miles southeast of Tanjung Balau, he added.
Also detained were the vessels' captains and crewmen.
They were escorted to the Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone for violation of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for illegal anchoring.
Nurul Hizam said some of the crewmen — 15 from the cargo ship and 29 from the tanker — remained onboard while the vessels were left at sea under guard.
"The vessel is under detention, but it is left at sea under guard."
Since March 24, 2021, 297 vessels had been detained in Malaysian waters for various offences under Op Jangkar Haram, which aims to ensure vessels entering the region respect the country's sovereignty and comply with established laws.