Malaysia’s maritime enforcement agency has detained two oil tankers off Penang over a suspected illegal ship-to-ship transfer of crude oil valued at more than RM512 million (≈ US$130 million), according to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
The vessels were found anchored about 24 nautical miles west of Muka Head in the early hours of the morning, moored together in what authorities believe was an unauthorised offshore transfer operation.
Inspections identified a total of 53 crew members across both tankers, including nationals of China, Myanmar, Iran, Pakistan and India.
The crude cargo seized was assessed at over RM512 million, while the two tankers themselves were valued at RM718 million (≈ US$182 million).
Both ship captains and the vessels have been taken into custody and transferred to Penang maritime investigation officers for further action.
Authorities are pursuing the case under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, citing provisions linked to anchoring without permission and conducting ship-to-ship transfer activities without authorisation.
Penang Maritime director Maritime Capt Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli confirmed the operational details and the valuations of the cargo and vessels involved.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency operates as Malaysia’s national maritime law-enforcement and security authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with jurisdiction over territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone. Its remit includes enforcement of shipping regulations, suppression of maritime crime, safety oversight and coordination of search and rescue operations.