MMEA detains tugboat and dredger over suspected ship‑to‑ship transfer; RM260m oil cargo seized off Tanjung Buai

In the early hours of yesterday, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) apprehended two vessels operating without authorization in Malaysian national waters. The detained ships, valued at an estimated RM260 million, were discovered near Tanjung Buai in the Tanjung Sedili maritime zone. Acting director Najib Sam revealed the operation was initiated after receiving public information about the suspicious vessels.

The two vessels, a tugboat and a dredger both registered in Malaysia, were found to be in close proximity, approximately 1.4 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Buai. Upon inspection, authorities discovered an oil cargo on board that lacked proper ownership and delivery documents. Both vessels' crews were detained for further investigation.

The tugboat crew consisted of five members, including the skipper, comprising locals and Indonesian citizens aged between 26 and 58 years. The dredger was operated by a team of 13 crew members, all locals aged between 22 and 51 years. The case is currently under investigation for suspected ship-to-ship activities without permission under Section 491B(1)(K) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (OPS) 1952.

Additionally, the vessels are being investigated for anchoring without authorization under Section 491B(1)(L) of the OPS 1952 and for the discovery of oil cargo with suspected missing documents under the Customs Act 1967.