MALAYSIAN AUTHORITIES ANNOUNCE INCREASED VIGILANCE IN THEIR WATERS AIMED AT ‘UNAUTHORISED ACTIVITIES’

Published: 31 July 2025

Malaysian authorities recently announced that they are increasing their vigilance to detain vessels found conducting unauthorised activities in “Malaysian waters”.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) jurisdiction extends across “Malaysian Waters,” which includes Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The authorities have stressed the mandatory requirement for all vessels to secure the necessary approvals from the Malaysian Marine Department (MMD) for any activities conducted in “Malaysian waters” and to strictly adhere to anchoring in officially designated areas.

We anticipate that the authorities will adopt a strict approach to monitor vessels in “Malaysian waters”. They will act strictly against vessels found conducting operations without their approval. The process of releasing a detained vessel can be stressful and may take several weeks.

We suggest that vessels in “Malaysian waters” obtain the necessary permission from Malaysian authorities through their agents before anchoring or conducting any operations and to observe the following recommendations:

1. AIS is to be kept ON at all times and monitored regularly.
2. Vessel should be anchored within designated anchorage/lay up area of within port limit as guided by the Malaysian port authorities.
3. Any ship in “Malaysian waters” which is engaged or intends to engage in any activities in “Malaysian waters” should obtain prior approval from the relevant Malaysian port authority through their agent.

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