Oil Tanker Seized by Indonesian Authorities
Indonesian authorities have seized the tanker, MT Joaquim, believed to have been used by pirates to siphon 3,500 tonnes of crude oil on Saturday, according to a report in Bernama. The tanker was detained at about 4pm today (August 11), in the waters off Dumai, Indonesia,Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) deputy director-general (operations) Vice-Admiral Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar said. “The Indonesian authorities have informed us over the vessel’s seizure and detention of the suspected pirates,” Ahmad Puzi said. However, Ahmad Puzi said Indonesian authorities were still conducting investigations on the tanker and would identify whether the individuals on board were the pirates involved in seizing the MT Joaquim.
Indonesia, Malaysia to Discuss Maritime Issues
Malaysia and Indonesia will discuss maritime issues, including the detention of Malaysian fishing vessels as well as their common sea borders. The countries will continue discussions to find solutions to the maritime boundary issues through the existing mechanism, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman. He has met his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi for high level talks. Anifah Aman said the seizure of the vessels and subsequent detention of several Malaysians was among the topics discussed with Retno. Border encroachment is a common issue between the two neighbours, with the latest case being several Malaysian fishing vessels and Malaysian nationals detained in Indonesian waters for alleged illegal fishing.
