SINAGAPORE- Malaysian authorities have seized crude oil worth 512 million ringgit ($129.9 million) after detaining two tankers suspected of carrying out illegal ship-to-ship transfers in waters off Penang, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said on Saturday.
The vessels were intercepted about 24 nautical miles west of Muka Head, Penang, after a patrol boat responded to a complaint at around 1 a.m. local time. Upon inspection, the ships were found anchored in a coupled position, raising suspicions of unauthorized oil transfer operations.
Authorities said the origin of the oil remains under investigation. The seized tankers themselves are valued at 718 million ringgit and were carrying a combined crew of 53 nationals, including Chinese, Burmese, Iranian, Pakistani and Indian citizens.
The two ship captains were arrested and handed over to Penang maritime investigation officials. According to Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli, the vessels are being investigated for anchoring without permission an offense carrying a fine of 100,000 ringgit and for conducting illegal ship-to-ship oil transfers, which could result in penalties of 200,000 ringgit per vessel.
Malaysian waters are widely known as a hotspot for illegal ship-to-ship oil transfers, a practice used to conceal the origin of crude shipments. In July last year, Malaysian authorities announced stricter enforcement measures to curb such maritime activities amid growing concerns over sanctions evasion and illegal trade.
-Jun Yong
