A major incident has occurred off the Malaysian coast as an oil tanker registered in Gabon catches fire Monday. Three of its crew members are currently missing. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) stated a naval patrol boat had been dispatched to the scene to rescue the 28 people on board the tanker.
The fire reportedly broke out at 4 p.m. local time around 37.5 nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Sedili, a coastal Jongor region in Malaysia. Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority identified the tanker as MT Pablo. Spectators were able to spot large plumes of black smoke rising from the tanker, in addition to other vessels in the vicinity. As of now, no evidence has surfaced signalling a major environmental impact.
The United States’ treasury department recently revealed that by June 1 the country might not possess enough cash to pay its financial obligations due to an increase in spending caused by Covid 19 relief measures. President Joe Biden has called a meeting to address the rising debt ceiling. IBM is taking an extreme measure by freezing hiring and replacing approximately 7,800 jobs with artificial intelligence technology.
The Malaysian government plays an important part in many aspects of the country’s life. The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency is operating directly under the Prime Minister’s Department, acting as a law enforcement arm. The agency is responsible for search and rescue (SAR) operations, voluntary services and enforcement of maritime law within Malaysian borders.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is currently under the leadership of its Director General, YDH Laksamana Tan Sri Mohd Zubil Mat Som. He was appointed by the ministry on the 20th of May 2017 and has been spearheading the agency since then. He has numerous achievements under his belt, ranging from an honorary degree in Humanistic Studies from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris to several awards related to his contribution to the security industry.
This incident brings to light the harsh realities faced by workers in the shipping industry. In these trying times, we must not forget the importance of safety at sea and the safety of its crewmembers.
