Vessel involved in Prai Bulk Terminal oil spill detained

GEORGE TOWN: The vessel which allegedly spilled oil near the Prai Bulk Terminal (PBT) has been detained to assist in investigations.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he was informed of the matter but declined to say where the vessel was held.
He said he will let the relevant federal authorities deal with the matter and noted the lead investigating agency was the Marine Department.
Lim nonetheless expressed his thanks that the spill has been cleared as he was notified of the matter by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.
He said sponges were used to soak up the oil which had affected some 199 sq km of water near the island and the north part of Seberang Perai.
No oil was detected near the coasts off Gurney Drive, Tanjong Tokong, Esplanade, Teluk Bahang and Batu Ferringhi, he added.
"The oil stayed in the north so the fish farms (in the south) are safe," he told a press conference today and urged the public to report any oil sightings to the authorities so action could be taken.
The spill was detected on Friday night at the PBT after a Port Klang registered vessel was alleged to have discharged the oil.
The discharge was reported to be a mixture of petrol and engine oil which turn the waters brackish.
Lim earlier flagged off participants of the Penang Amazing Race which was organised to promote the state as a destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE).