Summary
- Two dredgers detained off Pulau Rimau.
- Vessels allegedly carried sand beyond permitted limits.
- Six foreign crew members detained for investigation.
- Total seizure estimated at RM400 million.
GEORGE TOWN, July 29 — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two dredgers suspected of carrying sand loads exceeding permitted limits.
About 2.7 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Rimau during a routine patrol. Penang MMEA Director Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the vessels were crewed by 28 foreign nationals.
Comprising Indonesians and Chinese nationals. Three crew members from each vessel were detained for further investigation under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
The two vessels and their sand cargo are estimated to be worth RM400 million.
