PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has thanked the Indonesian government for its cooperation in handing over the US$250 million (RM1 billion) superyacht Equanimity.

In a video posted on Facebook, Dr Mahathir also urged those who wanted to claim the vessel to submit proof of purchase.

“I am happy that the Indonesian government has agreed to hand the yacht to Malaysia. I thank the Indonesian government and its president, Joko Widodo, for the strong cooperation,” he said.

“The superyatch was bought using 1Malaysia Development Bhd money and the money belongs to the Malaysian people. Therefore, those who want to claim the yacht, they must provide some proof or receipt that they bought the yacht using their own money,” said the 93-year-old leader.

It was reported earlier today that Equanimity, which purportedly belongs to Penang-born businessman Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, is expected to arrive in Port Klang tomorrow.

A source told The Star Online that the vessel received its port clearance from the Batam Marine Department at 2.30pm today, indicating that its next port of call was Port Klang.

The source said at least four Malaysian policemen would accompany the ship and her crew to Malaysia.

“The ship will leave Batam this evening after it has been handed over to senior Malaysian marine police officers, who are already in Batam to receive the vessel,” the source said.

The superyacht arrived in Batam island in Indonesia this morning.

It had been scheduled to head to the Batu Ampar Port but was diverted and anchored near the Pulau Nong lighthouse at the entrance to Tering Bay about 9.30am.

Equanimity was seized in Bali on February at the request of US authorities as part of a multi-billion dollar corruption investigation launched by the Department of Justice (DoJ) related to 1MDB.

Meanwhile, sources told The Malaysian Insight that police were still in the dark over the estimated time of arrival of the yacht. 

“I am still waiting for orders from my superiors on the matter. For now, I can’t say anything,” the police source said.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission had earlier denied that it was involved in the seizure of the yacht. 

“The MACC is not involved. Please check with the police,” its chief, Shukri Abdull, had said.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu told reporters at the Parliament lobby that any action taken by authorities must be in line with Malaysian and international law. 

“I’m very proud that the 1MDB asset is coming back to Malaysia. I hope the police and and our authorities will take action in accordance with Malaysian and international law. 

He said he was also looking forward to seeing the luxury vessel.

“I also want to experience the ship because we don’t have that kind of luxurious ship,” he said. – August 6, 2018.