Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency detains foreign cargo ship

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a foreign cargo vessel registered in Gambia after it was detected anchoring without authorization in Perak waters. The ship was located approximately 4.3 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Jarak near Lumut.

An inspection revealed the vessel was operated by a crew of 21, consisting of 11 Pakistani nationals, eight Iranian nationals, and two Indonesian nationals. The ship is suspected of committing two offenses under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952: anchoring without the permission of the Director of Marine Malaysia and failing to report its arrival in Malaysian waters.

The captain and chief engineer have been taken to the Perak State Maritime Headquarters to assist with investigations. Relevant ship documents have also been seized for further action by maritime investigators.