MARINE SENSITIVE AREA

Malaysia Government has introduced the Exclusive Economic Zone Regulations 2026, marking an important development in the regulation of shipping activities within Malaysia’s EEZ and continental shelf.

This act under Malaysia National Security was recently approved in Malaysia Parliament and take effect last September 11, 2026.

Authorities enforce these new requirements in practice through the Malaysia Enforcement Agency.

Among the provisions set out in the notice are:

• No vessel shall anchor within the marine sensitive area
• A cargo vessel or oil tanker exceeding 300 metres in length and 40 metres in width shall not enter the marine sensitive area
• All vessels shall navigate within the marine sensitive area at a speed not exceeding 12 knots.

If vessel is caught breaching these, vessel will be brought to court and we understand the penalties is up to MYR1,000,000.00.

We continue to see these cases and want to again warn vessels of anchoring in the area without permission.

MMEA DETENTION

MMEA is actively monitoring vessel movement in Malaysia waters.

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, it is reported, will result in them being ordered out of the area or detained followed by prosecution and fines.

MMEA would not hesitate to take action against merchant ships which anchors illegally in the eastern waters of Johor.

In support of these actions, the MMEA appears to be using territorial limits prescribed by a 1979 chart. In the waters of Southern Johor, often inaccurately referred to as Singapore OPL East, these territorial limits are as much as 60 Nautical Miles offshore.

When a vessel is detained, security of MYR100,000 needs to be posted with the court for the release of the vessel. This is the maximum fine available under the law. Once the actual fine is determined at a later stage (equal or less than MYR100,000), the court determined amount needs to be paid from separate funds. The security fund cannot be used for payment of the actual fine but will of course be returned. This explains why agents why agents may ask for MYR200,000 to be paid to them in order to handle the matter.

Mr Gary Edgar Tom is a Claims Executive. He joined Spica Malaysia in March 2012 as a Claims Executive. Since his 5 years tenure in Spica, he mainly handles Transport Liability and Ports and Terminals claims, along with casualty and operational files for offshore and tug and barge clients. He graduated from University of Malaysia Terengganu to achieve a Bachelor Degree in Maritime Management in 2007. He began his career as a surveyor with the largest survey company in East Malaysia. He did various types of survey and marine consultancy in East Malaysia with the company.

Ms Fairuz bt Mohd Fauzia, a Claims Executive, joined Spica Malaysia since Sept 2015 as a claim Executive. In her 1½ years with Spica, she mainly handles Container Line claims, along with files involving preloading cargo survey. Under the supervision of Branch manager, she is now handling the marine casualties cases for P&I Clubs. She graduated from University Technology Mara to achieve a Bachelor Degree in Business Studies majoring in Insurance (2006). She began her career as a claim executive in an Insurance Brokers firm for 3 years. She then joined a local Shipping Company as a claim executive for 4 years.

Mr Wan Akmal Hakim bin Abdul Razak is a Claims Executive, newly joined Spica Services in August 2019. He is 28 years old and started his career in shipping industry as a Marine Surveyor. He has 2 years of experience in a survey and adjusting company and used to carry out P&I surveys instructed by Spica. He also has experience in handling fix premium P&I, H&M and cargo interests’ claims. He is holder of Diploma in Hotel management and Degree in Maritime Operations.