Malaysia seizes US$1.37 million worth of diesel in illegal fuel transfer off Penang
Malaysia has been cracking down on fuel smuggling amid mounting shortages and supply disruptions caused by the Iran war
Penang MMEA director Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said authorities carried out checks following an intelligence tip about the ships, which were anchored in the waters off Bagan Ajam on Saturday.
“The inspection found that both ships were in a coupled state and were suspected of carrying out ship-to-ship oil transfer activities without permission,” Muhammad Suffi said in a statement on Sunday.
The alleged transfer involved about 700,000 litres of Euro 5 diesel, while the total amount seized was estimated at around 800,000 litres, with a value of about 5.43 million ringgit (US$1.37 million), he said.
Authorities also arrested 22 crew members, comprising citizens from Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia, the Philippines and Indonesia.