Yachts cruising the east coast of Malaysia are being warned to avoid anchorages south of Tioman Island and around Pulau Tinggi due to authorities detaining vessels for reportedly illegally anchoring in National Parks.

Published 7 months ago

Confused Marine Park Rules

Noonsite has received a report that a group of Sail Malaysia Rally yachts were threatened with fines for supposedly infringing on National Park anchoring regulations in eastern Malaysia, around Pulau Tioman and Pulau Tinggi. Six vessels were detained for 7hrs, before being told to leave as quickly as possible after receiving a warning from the authorities. Fines up to 50,000Rm could have been issued.

The group of rally yachts were anchored off a resort at the northern end of Pulau Sibu, with the resort’s permission. The area is also a recommended anchorage in many cruising guides.

According to the Johor Coastguard that detained the yachts, they needed a license to anchor in Malaysian waters (referring to a law that requires all commercial shipping to apply for a license to anchor anywhere in Malaysia).

Johor: Different Set of Rules

Reports from Noonsite’s contacts on the ground in Malaysia indicate that as the islands are part of the Johor National Parks, the Malaysian Coastguard in the area are operating by a different set of rules to the rest of Malaysia.

A similar incident occured in 2023 when a yacht was detained and the owner fined for doing the same thing – anchoring in a National Park, even though the skipper had paid for a permit to visit the National Park in Tioman.

For the time being, cruisers are being advised to avoid any island anchorages south of Tioman Island, especially Pulau Tinggi, until the situation is clarified with officials.

Yachts should head for Jason’s Bay or look for mainland anchorages away from the islands. Desaru Harbour is the next location to anchor before the bottom of Johor and Singapore.

It should be noted that this is happening in the state of Johor. States north of Johor (Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan) may not be restricting anchoring in this way.

Pangkor Marina and Sail Malaysia are looking into the incident and endeavouring to work out new procedures for yachts wishing to anchor in this area. More details when we have them.

Our thanks to Bob Mott for sharing this news with Noonsite.

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Related Links:

Malaysia Marine Park and Conservation Website

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Noonsite has not independently verified this information.

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