GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a Chinese-registered tanker suspected of anchoring illegally 15.4 nautical miles northwest off Muka Head here yesterday.
State MMEA director Maritime Captain Razali Kasim said the 130.2m-long vessel was detained at 12.50pm.
He said the tanker was manned by 18 crew members, including the captain, all of whom are Chinese nationals aged between 31 and 51.
"All crew members had valid identification documents.
"However, the captain failed to produce any anchoring permit and explained that they were awaiting further sailing instructions from the company," he said today.
The case is being investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment for up to two years', or both, for anchoring without permission.
Razali said shipping companies were advised to take the procedures and regulations seriously before entering and anchoring in Malaysian waters.