Port Klang Authority confirms MV KUM JIN did not sink

SHAH ALAM : The Port Klang Authority (LPK) confirmed that the MV KUM JIN cargo ship is still afloat at a location 2.1 nautical miles from Tanjung Rhu in Terengganu as of yesterday morning.

In a statement yesterday (July 8), LPK also said that the vessel did not sink and that there was no pollution near the cargo ship, contrary to reports by some media outlets.

“A group of engineers, together with the crew of MV Kum Jin, re-boarded the cargo ship to re-stabilise the vessel and carry out repair work on Monday afternoon.

“Two additional vessels have been deployed to assist with repair and recovery operations and are on standby in case of any emergency.

“Vessels in the vicinity have also been warned to stay away from the troubled cargo ship while the authorities continue to monitor the repair work and provide assistance if needed,” the statement said.

LPK said the 70-metre-long cargo ship left Port Klang with a load of steel and was bound for Kuching, with an estimated arrival at 10pm on July 7.

“At 3am the following day (July 8), the cargo ship, which had reached the area outside the port limits, reported engine problems, re-entered the port’s waters and sought permission to anchor.

“The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Malaysian Marine Department immediately responded to the distress call by sending two vessels for assistance.

“At 5am, the ship was reported to be unstable due to bad weather and at risk of sinking. The crew of the cargo ship was evacuated and brought ashore by a Malaysian Maritime patrol vessel,” LPK said.

MV Kum Jin is reportedly owned by AR Shipping, a Malaysian company, according to S&P Global’s data. The ship had been moving cargo within Malaysian coastal waters.

Abdul Muhaimin said MMEA personnel evacuated Kum Jin’s crewmen to Perkasa 36 which took them to Pulau Indah Marine Police Base Jetty for further action and health checks.

MV Kum Jin’s captain is an Indonesian while the other nine crewmen are from Indonesia and Myanmar.