The MMEA is officially urging merchant ship owners to seek permission to anchor in the eastern waters of Johor (South China Sea). Failure to do so may result in ships being ordered out of the area. The MMEA has reported that they will not hesitate to take action against merchant ships which has anchored illegally in the eastern waters of Johor. Since March 24th, several merchant ships anchored without permission have been detained.
In support of these actions, the MMEA uses territorial limits prescribed by a 1979 chart. In the waters of Southern Johore these territorial limits are as much as 60 Nautical Miles offshore.
The NMA hereby inform Norwegian flagged vessels of the ongoing operation and request ships to take note of this information and act accordingly.