LABUAN: Did an unknown number of Chinese nationals, fearing the novel coronavirus in their homeland, slip into Malaysia undetected via the shores of Labuan?

Or could they just be fishing boats that had delivered their catch in Sabah and most of its crew had gone ashore for some rest and recreation?

Whatever the scenario, and with no records available, Malaysian authorities are scrambling to uncover the mystery behind the “ghost” ships, following the discovery of four large Chinese boats resembling trawlers about 650m from the Asian Supply Base Jetty on Saturday at 11.30am.

Except for two crew members, there were no occupants on board the vessels, which were anchored side by side.

The Chinese crew members, both aged 55, were arrested by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

It is learnt the MMEA had spotted the vessels during its routine patrols before taking action.

Sources said it was too early to say if there were other foreigners on board the vessels, but stressed that it was not possible that merely two crew members had steered four boats into Malaysian waters.

The discovery has also led to the intervention of the Health Department and the National Security Council, who are investigating the case with the MMEA.

Sources also said that investigators are waiting for translators to assist them in interrogating the Chinese crewmen.

MMEA (Labuan zone) director Maritime Commander Nor Bakari Abu Bakar said yesterday the vessels were suspected to have breached local laws by mooring in Malaysian waters without permission from the director of the Marine Department of Malaysia.

He said under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, the offence carries a fine of RM100,000 or a jail term of up to two years, or both.

“The four vessels were being guarded by two crew members, who are both Chinese nationals. We warn the maritime community that MMEA will not compromise with those who carry out activities that breach Malaysian laws. We will continue to step up surveillances and enforcement from time to time,” he said.