A major maritime crackdown off Penang has exposed a massive illegal diesel transfer operation at sea, after authorities detained two tankers caught side-by-side in suspicious activity.
700,000 litres of diesel confiscated mid-transfer
According to Penang MMEA director Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli, the vessels were intercepted near Bagan Ajam following intelligence reports.
The ships were found moored together, a classic sign of unauthorised ship-to-ship (STS) fuel transfer.
Authorities believe the tankers were in the middle of transferring around 700,000 litres of Euro 5 diesel, with a total of 800,000 litres discovered onboard.
He said that the seized diesel alone is estimated to be worth RM5.43 million.
Detained crew are of various nationalities
A total of 22 crew members were detained during the operation, involving a mix of nationalities including Malaysian, Myanmar, Russian, the Philippines and Indonesia.
All suspects and vessels were escorted to shore for further investigation.
The Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) did not specify the origin of the tankers, the diesel, or the fuel’s destination.
The case is being investigated under Section 491B(1)(k) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for carrying out ship-to-ship transfers without permission from the Marine Department director-general.
Penalty for offenders would be imposed not more than RM200,000 per ship.
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