MMEA seizes RM8m worth of vessels, items over suspected illegal cargo transfer off Penang

Three men, including two Vietnamese nationals, were detained after the MMEA intercepted two vessels allegedly involved in unlicensed cargo transfer activities. — File picture courtesy of MMEA

First Published: Saturday, 07 Nov 2026 9:55 AM MYT

Last Modified: Saturday, 07 Nov 2026 9:56 AM MYT

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 7 — Two vessels and other items with an estimated total value of RM8 million were seized by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Penang waters on Thursday for allegedly carrying out cargo transfer activities without a valid licence.

In a statement today, Penang MMEA director Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the vessels, a tugboat and an unregistered sampan, were detained at 11.40am following information received and public complaints.

He said an initial inspection found that the vessels were allegedly involved in transferring cargo from the sampan to the tugboat without a valid cargo licence as required under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952.

Those detained comprised two Vietnamese nationals, who were the tugboat’s master and chief engineer, and a local man who was the sampan skipper, along with the vessels, related documents and other seized items, all of which were handed over to MMEA investigating officers for further investigation. 

Muhammad Suffi said compliance with maritime laws and licensing conditions was essential to ensuring navigational safety, orderly shipping activities and the protection of national interests. — Bernama