Asia/Pacific News
Malaysian Authorities Respond to Spill After Ships Collide in Johor Waters
Malaysian authorities are working to contain an oil spill after the bulk carrier Sinica Graeca and oil/chemical tanker Chemroad Mega collided in Johor waters on Thursday at 8:20 p.m., Malaysian media reports.
The incident is reported to have occured 3.2 nautical miles off Tompok Utara near Pengerang, Kota Tinggi.
Malaysia's Department of Environment (DoE) is said to have ordered both vessel owners to post a RM5 million ($1.17 million) bond while spill clean-up efforts continue.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has also activated a state operations committee to support the spill response.
"The committee will include the Department of Environment (DOE) and various other agencies under the national oil spill contingency plan to take steps to control the oil spill," stated the ministry.
"The DOE, Marine Department of Malaysia and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency are already at the location to investigate the matter and monitor it further."
