Malaysia Imposes New Rules To Stop Illegal Anchoring & Ship-To-Ship Transfers In Its Waters

The Malaysian Maritime Authorities are taking stringent measures to prevent illegal anchoring and ship-to-ship transfers in their waters.

Given its location close to the Singapore Strait, Malaysia has seen a rise in such cases and seeks to crack down on such unlawful vessels.

The Malaysian Marine Department has implemented new rules, effective from July end, and it emphasised that ships must keep their AIS transmission on at all times.

The authorities will closely monitor ships that go dark, i.e turn off their signals.

Ships will also need a dual permit for anchoring in key eastern areas near the Singapore Strait since these are prone to such activities.

Vessels will need to submit an anchoring plan, which should be given a nod by the Marine Department, and only then can they enter the region.

The authorities have been instructed to increase their vigilance and warned that ships will be detained if they are found without the required documentation and anchoring approval.

Additionally, officials are being careful as the waters east of the peninsula are said to be a frequent point for shadow tankers and those arriving from Russia or Iran, trying to hide their cargoes.

The illegal activities are also conducted by small ships involved in such STS transfers.

The MMEA reported that on July 11, 2025, it saw two tankers alongside each other. One ship was crewed by 4 people, including the captain and another from Indonesia and 2 Indian nationals.

The second ship had an Indonesian and a citizen from Myanmar, and two citizens from Vietnam. MMEA reported that the Myanmar crew and two crew from Vietnam could not show valid identification documents.

Additionally, it seized 169,000 litres of diesel oil.

Recently, MMEA also reported that a Barbados-registered tanker was detained for illegally anchoring in Batu Pahat waters.

The ship had an 18-member crew, including the captain, who were indian nationals.

The tanker left Dubai and entered Tanjung Bruas Port, Melaka, to load a cargo comprising 6894 tonnes of tar on its way to Vietnam.

The Singapore Shipping Association has advised its members to follow the regulations and work with port agents to secure the necessary approvals before entering Malaysian waters.

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