Malaysia’s maritime authorities have introduced new measures to curb illegal anchoring and ship-to-ship (STS) transfers near the Singapore Strait, a known hotspot for such activities. Effective late July 2025, the Malaysian Marine Department requires vessels to keep AIS transmissions active and monitors for signal disruptions. Vessels must now obtain dual permits and submit approved anchoring plans for eastern waters, including the Singapore Strait’s eastern entrance. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is intensifying vigilance, with immediate detention for non-compliant vessels, and the release process may take weeks.

The region, frequented by shadow tankers from Iran or Russia, saw an MMEA operation on July 11, 2025, intercept two tankers with mixed crews, seizing 169,600 liters of diesel due to invalid documentation. Another detention occurred late July of a Barbados-registered tanker with 18 Indian crew members, loaded with 6,894 metric tonnes of tar from Dubai, for illegal anchoring in Batu Pahat. The Singapore Shipping Association advises strict adherence to regulations and coordination with port agents.