Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Penang detained two dredgers after they were found carrying sand loads exceeding the permitted limit about 2.7 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Rimau near here yesterday. Penang MMEA director Maritime Captain Muhammad Sufi Mohd Ramli stated that the two dredgers were apprehended by the agency's patrol boat during a routine patrol in the area. The total value of the seizures, involving the two vessels and their sand cargo, is estimated at RM400 million.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, inspections revealed that each vessel was manned by 14 foreign crew members, consisting of five Indonesians and nine Chinese nationals. The two vessels were captained by Indonesian skippers aged 28 and 31. Further inspections indicated that both vessels are suspected of committing offences under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 by carrying sand loads beyond the prescribed limit.

Muhammad Sufi reported that three crew members from each vessel were detained and taken to the Penang MMEA headquarters. They were later handed over to the Maritime Investigating Officer for further action.