Malaysia Restricts Vessel Movement Near Singapore and Bans Bunkering

Malaysia's Particularly Sensitive Sea Area Notice No. 01/2026 has set a vessel speed limit of 12 knots near the eastern approaches to the Traffic Separation Scheme in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, following the entry into force of the underlying regulations on June 29 and the notice taking effect on September 11.

The notice restricted anchoring operations to search and rescue, damage control, or responding to specific pollution incidents, and required prior written permission from authorities for cargo transfers, while banning bunkering under the 2026 Exclusive Economic Zone Regulations. The written permission requirement also applies to dredging, salvage, research, and cable or pipeline laying.

Cargo ships and oil tankers over 300 meters long and 40 meters wide are barred from entering the marine sensitive area (MSA). Marine insurance company Gard suggested that some westbound vessels may remain south of the area before altering course to the westbound lane.

The measures apply to shipowners, masters, and agents, with compliance checks and prosecutions in Malaysian courts. Penalties are estimated at around 1 million Malaysian Ringgit, or approximately $244,000, and a vessel may be detained if a breach results in a spill damaging the economic zone, with the possibility of release on financial bail separate from the fine.

What do these terms mean?

Traffic Separation Scheme: A navigational arrangement assigning separate entry and exit lanes for vessels in congested waterways to reduce the risk of collision.

Knot: A unit of speed for vessels, equal to one nautical mile per hour, or approximately 1.85 kilometers per hour.

Exclusive Economic Zone: A maritime zone over which a coastal state has sovereign rights over economic resources and activities extending up to 200 nautical miles from its coast.