By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, Nov 19: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) District 13 detained two vessels at 7.4 nautical miles off Tanjong Kuala Baram on Saturday (Nov 17) on suspicion of illegal ship-to-ship fuel transfer.
The vessels were spotted transferring 51,000 litres of diesel worth RM91,800 at 12.35am by an MMEA Miri patrol team.
In a statement today, MMEA Miri chief Capt Mohamad Fauzi Othman said the vessels were detained after their crew failed to furnish documents to prove what they were doing were legal.
Of the 12 crew members collared, eight were locals and four were Indonesians. They all have valid identification papers, said Fauzi.
The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952.
“MMEA will continue to safeguard the state’s waters to ensure all vessels comply with Malaysian laws,” assured Fauzi. — DayakDaily
