KUALA LUMPUR (April 13): Malaysia has foiled an attempt by two tankers to illegally transfer diesel in an operation off the coast of Penang over the weekend.  

Both tankers, along with 22 crew, were detained, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said in a statement. Inspection found that the alleged activity involved the transfer of about 700,000 litres of Euro 5 diesel, the agency noted.

"Both ships were found in a coupled state and were suspected of carrying out ship-to-ship oil transfer activities without permission," Penang Maritime Director Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said.

The case is being investigated under Section 491B (1)(k) Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 over ship-to-ship transfer activities without approval of the director general of the Malaysian Marine Department. If found guilty, each vessel would be fined up to RM200,000.

Authorities are also investigating the matter under the Customs Act 1967 following the failure to submit documents related to the transfer of oil and cargo declaration, Muhammad Suffi said.

The crew arrested include Malaysians, Myanmarese, Russians, Filipinos and Indonesians who were on board the two ships. All were brought to the jetty before being handed over to investigators for further action, he added.