LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime) foiled an attempt to smuggle out controlled items via Tanjung Batu, Felda Sahabat waters, here on Tuesday.
Lahad Datu Zone Maritime Director, Commander Dr Suzanna Razali Chan, said the Maritime patrol boat detected a suspicious boat following public tip about 4am.
When approached, the boat skipper changed its course towards the land before jumping into the water.
“Inspection found the boat committing an offence under Control of Supplies Act 1961 and found 612kg of cooking oil, 108 packets of flour and 192 bottles of perfume.
“All the items, believed brought out, would be sold in the neighbouring country. All seizures, including the boat and two engines, were estimated to be worth almost RM20,000.”
Suzanna said the smuggling of subsidised items was expected to increase during Ramadan and Syawal due to higher demands.
"This is the second seizure involving controlled items in a week in Lahad Datu,” she said. Lahad Datu Maritime Zone would increase patrols and inspections on boats, especially in hotspot areas to curb such activities, she said, urging the public to cooperate by contacting them at 089-885727 (Lahad Datu Operations Centre) or MERS999.
