GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Penang detained two oil tankers suspected of transferring crude oil worth more than RM512mil in the state’s waters on Thursday (Jan 29). Penang Maritime director Maritime Capt Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said a marine patrol boat received a report at 1am that two oil tankers, anchored 24 nautical miles west of Muka Head, were suspected of conducting oil transfer activities. Inspections at the location found both vessels moored together and suspected of engaging in ship-to-ship transfer activities. "The two vessels are believed to have carried out crude oil transfer activities involving 53 crew members comprising Chinese, Myanmar, Iranian, Pakistani and Indian nationals. "The value of the seized crude oil exceeded RM512mil, while the value of both oil tankers amounted to RM718mil,” he said in a statement on Saturday (Jan 31).

Source: The Star January 31, 2026 15:23 UTC