Discover the Oceanjet: Ratings & Maritime News

On March 28, 2021, the Johor division of the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) reported significant progress in its initiative 'Ops Jangka Haram', which aims to tackle the issue of foreign vessels illegally anchoring in the eastern Johor region. Just four days into the operation, MMEA noted a sharp decline in unauthorized anchoring, with only 15 vessels found in the Tompok Utara anchorage area, compared to a staggering 105 vessels discovered earlier. The enforcement team successfully detained 13 vessels for anchoring without the necessary permits, including the 'Nautica Kota Tinggi', 'Arista Leo', 'JW Jewel', and 'Liberty'. In response to persistent offenders, MMEA has committed to enhancing its efforts to remove unlawfully anchored ships. The agency has increased its vigilance by deploying the Special Task and Rescue Force (PTK) team, utilizing helicopters to conduct surprise inspections on these vessels. MMEA is also strengthening its collaboration with the Malaysian Marine Department, which oversees the permitting process for vessels operating within Malaysian waters, to further bolster the safety of its maritime borders and protect the environment. This crackdown comes in light of recent findings reported on March 22, where the MMEA identified the waters east of Johor as a 'hotspot' for illegal anchoring and other illicit activities, including the unlawful discharge of oil into the sea. Notably, on March 21, the Malaysian Marine Department discovered a six-kilometer oil spill in the same area, linking the incident to vessels suspected of illegally releasing oil and posing a threat to the marine ecosystem.