The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Saturday (31 January) detained two oil tankers suspected of conducting a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of crude oil, worth more than MYR 512 million (USD 129.5 million) in Penang waters on 29 January.
Penang Maritime director Maritime Capt Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said a maritime patrol boat received a report at 1am that the tankers, anchored 24 nautical miles west of Muka Head, were suspected of conducting the oil transfer activity.
The inspection found a second – the two vessels were in a conjoined state and suspected of carrying ship-to-ship activities.
“The two vessels are believed to have carried out crude oil transfer activities, which involved 53 crew members, of whom consisted of Chinese, Myanmar, Iranian, Pakistan and Indian nationals,” he said.
“The value of the crude oil confiscation is over MYR 512 million, while the value of the confiscation for both tankers is MYR 718 million.”
Muhammad Suffi said the two captains of the ships and the vessels involved have been detained and handed over to Penang MMEA investigating officers for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 491B (1) (l) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for anchoring without permission.
Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 2 February, 2026
