Penang: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) of Penang detained two oil tankers suspected of conducting unauthorised ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering activities, along with 22 crew members, in an operation in the Bagan Ajam waters yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation followed intelligence received at 10.45 am regarding the suspicious activities of two ships anchored at the location. An integrated operation was mobilised with the Penang Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), before an MMEA patrol boat was dispatched to carry out an inspection.

Checks revealed that both tankers were suspected of carrying out bunkering activities without a permit. Further inspection found that it involved the transfer of Euro 5 diesel with an estimated amount of 700,000 litres, while the total amount of fuel seized was estimated to reach 800,000 litres.

Muhammad Sufi Mohd Ramli, the Penang director, stated that the operation also led to the detention of 22 crew members of various nationalities, including Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, from both vessels. He mentioned that the total seizure was estimated at RM2.33 billion, comprising the two tankers and the Euro 5 diesel being smuggled, valued at an estimated RM5.43 million.

The case is being investigated under Section 491B (1)(k) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for unauthorised STS bunkering activities and the Customs Act 1967 for failing to produce documents related to the bunkering activity and cargo declaration. The detained crew members and vessels were taken to the jetty and handed over to the Penang MMEA officers.