Ship detained for anchoring without permit off Penang

Ship detained for anchoring without permit off Penang
8 October 2025 https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/10/08/ship-detain...

The vessel, carrying a load of gasoline, was manned by 20 Chinese crew members. (MMEA pic)
GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has detained a Panama-registered oil tanker for anchoring without permission about 14.3 nautical miles northwest of Muka Head near Teluk Bahang last night.

Penang MMEA director Suffi Ramli said the vessel, carrying a load of gasoline, was manned by 20 Chinese crew members, all of whom had valid identification documents.

“Checks found the ship did not have approval from the marine department to anchor in Malaysian waters,” he said in a statement today.

Suffi said the ship’s captain refused to cooperate and withheld key documents during inspection, while some crew members attempted to prevent enforcement officers from leaving the vessel.

“After further explanation, our officers were allowed to return to their patrol boat,” he said.

The crew and vessel have been detained for investigation under Section 491B(1) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for anchoring without permission, and Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing public servants.