SHAH ALAM: The Port Klang Authority (LPK) confirmed that the MV KUM JIN cargo ship is still afloat at a location 2.1 nautical miles from Tanjung Rhu in Langkawi as of yesterday morning.
In a statement yesterday (July 8), LPK also said that the vessel did not sink and that there was no pollution near the cargo ship, contrary to reports by some media outlets.
"A group of engineers, together with the crew of MV Kum Jin, re-boarded the cargo ship to re-stabilise the vessel and carry out repair work this afternoon (Monday).
"Two additional vessels have been deployed to assist with repair and recovery operations and are on standby in case of any emergency.
"Vessels in the vicinity have also been warned to stay away from the troubled cargo ship while the authorities continue to monitor the repair work and provide assistance if needed," the statement said.
LPK said the 70-metre-long cargo ship left Port Klang with a load of steel and was bound for Kuching at 10pm on July 7.
"At 3am the following day (July 8), the cargo ship, which had reached the area outside the port limits, reported engine problems, re-entered the port's waters and sought permission to anchor.
"The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Malaysian Marine Department immediately responded to the distress call by sending two vessels for assistance.
"At 5am, the ship was reported to be unstable due to bad weather and at risk of sinking. The crew of the cargo ship was evacuated and brought ashore by a Malaysian Maritime patrol vessel," LPK said.