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LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle 1,870kg of cooking oil at about 0.5 nautical miles south of Felda Sahabat waters, here, on Thursday.

Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director Maritime Commander Nik Mohd Rizam Nik Mohd Fauzi said an enforcement team intercepted two suspicious-looking boats. He said upon realising the presence of enforcement personnel, the boat skippers and crew escaped by jumping into the waters. An inspection of the boats found the cooking oil, estimated to be worth RM52,903 including RM8,228 subsidy borne by the Government,” he said.

Nik Mohd Rizam said the seized items were handed over to the Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Investigation Unit for further action under the Control of Supply Act 1961 and Customs Act 1967.

He also said the Maritime Zone will increase patrolling and enforcement from time to time to curb illegal and criminal activities in Lahad Datu waters, and urged the public to channel information or complaint by contacting 089-885727 or MERS999.