Malaysian Authorities Fine Tankers for Unauthorized Oil Transfers in Exclusive Economic Zone
Malaysian authorities have fined two tankers involved in unauthorized ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfers within Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The tankers, the stateless Nora and the Cameroon-flagged Rcelebra, were caught transferring Iranian crude oil 24 nautical miles off Penang's coast. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency detained the crews and initially announced the seizure of the cargo. However, both vessels were released after paying a $76,000 bond, the maximum penalty under Malaysian maritime law for unauthorized STS transfers. The Nora has since headed back towards Iran, while the Rcelebra remains anchored off Johore. This incident highlights Malaysia's enforcement of its maritime safety and environmental ordinances, although it does not enforce international sanctions or International Maritime Organization (IMO) decisions on STS activities. 
