KOTA TINGGI: UK-based insurer British Marine will compensate Malaysian authorities for the ongoing clean-up of waters and beaches near Pengerang which have been hit by an oil spill off Singapore.
Yesterday, it was reported that strong winds and choppy waves led to the oil spill drifting into Malaysian waters, polluting beaches along Sungai Rengit and Teluk Ramunia.
The pollution along the beaches stretched around one kilometre. Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said clean-up works began at 9.30 am, today.
"The owners of Marine Honour (the vessel which leaked oil) are liable for the costs incurred and that the ship has insurance coverage to meet this liability.
"The insurance company responsible for the vessel (British Marine) involved in the violation incident has appointed contractors to clean the low-sulphur marine fuel oil and chemical residues," he said.
Ling said the Johor Environment Department, Kota Tinggi district office, the Marine Department and supporting agencies will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the oil contaminated coastal areas are cleaned, and its impact on the marine ecosystem.
Last week, a dredger Vox Maxima hit the Marine Honour vessel at Pasir Panjang Terminal.
The collision ruptured one of Marine Honour's oil cargo tanks, releasing about 400 tonnes fuel into the ocean.