Orkim Harmony: MMEA still waiting for Vietnam to extradite eight suspects

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is still waiting for Vietnam authorities to extradite all eight suspects in the hijacking of the MT Orkim Harmony oil tanker to Malaysia, said its Director-General (Operations) Datuk Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar.

Ahmad Puzi and five MMEA senior officers were in Hanoi last week to assist the extradition requirements of all suspects who are now being held in Vietnam.

"All the fingerprints and DNA of the eight suspects have been taken. We have also analysed the communication data from their mobile and satellite phones.

"We are still waiting for Vietnam’s response. I believed that there will not be any problems in extraditing the suspects,” he said.

Ahmad Puzi added, the MMEA’s senior officers will return to Hanoi right after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri break to continue the process of the extradition so that they can face trial in Malaysia.

MT Orkim Harmony, which was carrying 6,000 tonnes of RON95 petrol worth RM21 million, was reported missing at 8.57pm on June 11 while on its way to Kuantan Port from Malacca.

Eight suspects were arrested near Tho Chu Island, southern Vietnam on June 19.