Crackdown on Illegal Anchoring and Ship-to-Ship Transfers in Malaysian Waters
The Malaysian Maritime Authorities are taking stringent measures to prevent illegal anchoring and ship-to-ship transfers in their waters. With the increase in such activities near the Singapore Strait, Malaysia has implemented new rules to tackle this issue effectively.
Effective from July end, the Malaysian Marine Department has mandated that ships must keep their AIS transmission on at all times. This measure aims to ensure constant monitoring of vessel movements and prevent them from going dark by turning off their signals.
Ships intending to anchor in key eastern areas near the Singapore Strait will now require a dual permit. They must submit an anchoring plan to the Marine Department for approval before entering the region. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in detention of the ship.
Officials have been instructed to increase vigilance, particularly in waters east of the peninsula, which are known for illegal activities such as ship-to-ship transfers involving shadow tankers from regions like Russia and Iran.
In a recent incident on July 11, 2025, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) discovered two tankers engaged in illegal activities. One tanker, crewed by individuals from Indonesia and India, was found alongside another ship with crew members from Indonesia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The MMEA seized 169,000 litres of diesel oil during the operation.
Another case involved a Barbados-registered tanker illegally anchoring in Batu Pahat waters. The tanker, with an Indian crew, was detained for loading a cargo of tar en route to Vietnam from Dubai via Tanjung Bruas Port, Melaka.
In response to these incidents, the Singapore Shipping Association has advised its members to adhere to regulations and obtain necessary approvals before entering Malaysian waters. Collaboration with port agents is crucial to ensure compliance with the new rules and prevent any legal repercussions.