News

To reinforce environmental protection, the Government of Malaysia has officially established a Marine Sensitive Area (MSA) near the eastern approaches of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the busy Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Under Marine Sensitive Area Notice 01/2026 and backed by Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone Regulations, the new measures took effect on 11 September 2026.

These regulations have a significant impact on vessels operating in Outer Port Limits (OPL).

Key Restrictions & Operational Guidelines

• Anchoring Ban: anchoring is strictly prohibited within the designated MSA, except in cases of search and rescue operations, or responding to specific pollution incidents.
• Speed Limits: vessels must observe a speed restriction not exceeding 12 knots within the area.
• Size Limitations: cargo vessels or oil tankers exceeding 300 meters in length and 40 meters in width are restricted from entering the designated area.
• Bunkering & Cargo Transfers: bunkering operations are completely prohibited within the MSA. Ship-to-ship or other cargo transfer operations are forbidden unless explicit written permission has been secured from the Malaysian Government.
• Flora & Fauna: It is forbidden to harm or disturbe any plant or animal life.
• Seabed: Any activities which are likely to damage the seabed are strictly prohibitied. This includes salvage operations, mining or driling, dredging etc.
• Enforcement & Penalties: any breach of these regulations is treated as an offense under national EEZ rules, carrying severe penalties that include heavy fines (reportedly up to MYR 1 million), vessel detentions, and potential legal prosecution.

Recommendations for Shipowners and Operators

• Vessels heading toward the eastern Singapore Strait should adjust their voyage plans accordingly and remain highly vigilant.
• Operators should coordinate closely with local port agents and consider designated legal anchorages (such as designated Indonesian anchorages along the Singapore Strait) when waiting for orders or services.

For additional information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Budd Malaysia (budd.malaysia@budd-pni.com) or Budd Indonesia (budd.indonesia@budd-pni.com).