TAWAU: A local cargo boat laden with three tonnes of rice and 3.5 tonnes of sugar was detained by the Tawau Zone Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in waters off Sungai Melayu, Sebatik Island, here, last Saturday.
It was suspected of carrying controlled goods exceeding the permitted limit,
Tawau Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Captain Shahrizan Raman, said the boat was detained at 5.30pm by a Malaysian Maritime patrol boat conducting special anti-illegal immigrant operations and Ops Tiris.
According to him, two local men, the boat’s skipper and crew, were also arrested after being suspected of committing an offence under the Customs Act 1967 for carrying goods exceeding the manifest and Sabah Ports and Docks Department Enactment 2002.
“The man was found to be carrying a load of three tonnes of rice and 3.5 tonnes of sugar with an estimated value of RM60,000.
“The captain also failed submit a boat license,” he said in a statement, Sunday.
Shahrizan said the cargo boat with its skipper and crew were brought to the pier and handed over to the investigating officer for further action.
He added that MMEA will continue to increase patrolling and enforcement around the country’s waters.
“We will not compromise with any party that tries to hinder the work of our personnel,” he said.
He called on the public to cooperate by channelling any information on sea-related criminal activities to the Tawau Maritime Zone at 089-752116 or call Mers 999 which operates 24 hours.
