MMEA Seizes Two Foreign Tugboats Over Illegal Fuel Storage Operation
RM19.55 Million Worth of Marine Gas Oil and Assets Confiscated in Johor Waters
KOTA TINGGI — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has disrupted an illegal fuel transportation and storage operation following the detention of two foreign tugboats in waters off Tanjung Bulat, Johor.
The total seizure involving oil cargo and related assets is estimated to be worth RM19.55 million.
Acting Johor Maritime director Kama Azri Kamil said the operation was carried out following intelligence gathering and close monitoring of suspicious vessel movements in strategic Malaysian waters.
According to him, the first tugboat was intercepted at around 10.50pm approximately 1.5 nautical miles southeast of Tanjung Bulat.
A second tugboat was detained about 40 minutes later roughly 3.0 nautical miles southeast of the same area.
“Initial inspections found that both tugboats were registered in Tanzania and operated by 10 Indonesian crew members aged between 26 and 54,” he said in a statement today.
He added that preliminary investigations revealed the vessels had failed to report their arrival upon entering Malaysian waters.
According to Kama Azri, the failure to declare entry violated Rule 10 of the Port Regulations 1954.
Further inspections discovered oil cargo believed to be Marine Gas Oil (MGO) without valid documentation or approved permits.
Authorities also found that water tanks onboard the vessels had allegedly been modified and converted into storage compartments for the fuel cargo.
Kama Azri said the modifications were believed to have been intended to conceal illegal fuel storage activities.
The case is currently being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 to determine the source of the oil cargo and identify possible links to wider smuggling syndicates.
Meanwhile, all Indonesian crew members onboard the vessels have been detained under Section 51(5)(b) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963 to assist with further investigations.
The MMEA stressed that enforcement and surveillance operations in Malaysian waters will continue to be strengthened to combat smuggling activities and maritime offences.
The operation also reflects ongoing efforts by authorities to safeguard the security of Malaysia’s strategic maritime trade routes from illegal activities.
-wilayah.com.my
