On April 11, Malaysian authorities detained two tankers suspected of illegal ship-to-ship (STS) fuel transfer.
The operation was carried out by the MMEA in cooperation with the Ministry of Domestic Trade after receiving intelligence about suspicious activity near Bagan Ajam.
A patrol vessel located two ships moored alongside each other, indicating an ongoing illegal transfer. Both tankers were detained, and all 22 crew members were arrested.
During the inspection, authorities seized approximately 800,000 liters of fuel, with an estimated value of $1.37 million.
The vessels may face fines of up to 200,000 ringgit, while the crew is undergoing further legal procedures and investigation.
Waters around Penang are known as a hotspot for fuel smuggling, and authorities are increasing enforcement amid ongoing instability in global fuel markets.
