29-04-2025
Unauthorised anchoring: Dredger detained by MMEA
GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a dredger for unauthorised anchoring off Pulau Kendi during a routine patrol yesterday.
The vessel was seen anchored about 0.6 nautical miles southeast of the island at 4.30pm and subsequently inspected.
Penang MMEA director Captain Maritime Razali Kasim said the dredger, loaded with sand, was manned by eight foreign crew members from Indonesia and China with valid identification.
"However, further inspection found that the vessel did not have anchoring permission from the Director of the Malaysian Marine Department, as required by law," he said in a statement.
Two crew members, aged 35 to 59, were taken to the MMEA office for further investigation under Section 491B(1) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
The agency stated it would not compromise with maritime law violations and would intensify surveillance in Penang waters.
"We urged the maritime community to always comply with regulations to ensure the safety and sustainability of the nation's maritime domain," Razali added.
