The men, all Indonesian’s aged between 23 and 46, are allegedto have targeted the 1,209-dwt Sentek Marine-owned bunker tanker Merlion Dua (built 1985).

TheMalaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained the men off Pengerangnear Kota Tinggi, early on Tuesday.

MMEASouthern Region chief, First Admiral Adon Shalan said the suspects who did nothave any valid identification documents were believed to be from Batam,Indonesia.

“Theyused a boat to approach the tanker Merlion Dua which was anchored threenautical miles south of Tanjung Stapa,” he told local media.

Adonsaid