KUNAK: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized a fishing boat carrying 80 barrels of petrol without a valid permit, on Wednesday.
The Director, Maritime Commander Maurice Grenville Abeyeratne, said acting on a tip-off while carrying out Op Pluto East patrols around Kudat waters, the boat was inspected near here around 1.20am.
A local skipper and two Flipinos, aged between 34 and 46, were found with 80 blue barrels suspected to contain petrol estimated at 1,600 litres.
“The boat and seized items were estimated to be worth more than RM100,000 and were taken to the jetty and handed over to the investigating officers.
“The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961,” he said.
The public is urged to report any misconduct or criminal activity at 088-611858 or the Mers 999.