The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) recently garnered attention by intercepting two tankers in Malaysian waters, each transporting crude oil valued at $160 million. This action is part of Malaysia’s continued efforts to tackle suspected illegal maritime operations, particularly as concerns grow over the bypassing of sanctions through Russian tanker transfers in the region.
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How the Ships Were Intercepted
Reported by The Straits Times on January 29, Malaysian authorities, acting on a tip-off, located two tankers anchored north of Penang Port. The vessels were found moored side by side, prompting suspicions of an unauthorized ship-to-ship transfer of crude oil, as noted by Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli, Penang’s maritime director.
“An inspection found both vessels moored together, raising suspicion of an unauthorised transfer,” he said. For reasons still unclear, the captains of the ships were handed over to authorities for further investigation. This operation, conducted in Malaysia’s strategically important waters, underscores the country’s heightened vigilance in safeguarding its maritime territory.
Cargo Estimate and Onboard Crew
The intercepted tankers were found to be carrying crude oil valued at 512 million Malaysian ringgit (approximately €118.7 million). The crews aboard the vessels totaled 53 individuals, hailing from China, Myanmar, Iran, Pakistan, and India, reflecting the global scale of maritime operations in the area and raising concerns over recruitment practices on such ships.
As of now, the precise identities of the seized tankers, their points of origin, and their intended destinations remain unclear, complicating the ongoing investigation.
