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KUDAT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt by three people, including a local, to smuggle out various controlled goods to the Philippines.

The trio, aged between 20 and 51, were arrested last Thursday about one nautical mile northwest of Guhuan Island, Banggi, near here.

Kudat Maritime Zone Director Commander Maurice Grenville Abeyeratne said the boat, which was spotted moving suspiciously towards Philippine waters, was found to be carrying 120 sacks (6,000kg) of subsidised rice, 200 sacks (5,000kg) of fertiliser, 209 boxes of wheat flour, 15 sacks of sugar (360kg) and 25 gas barrels (14kg per barrel).

He said when approached, the boat tried to escape.

“The suspects along with the boat and items, worth more than RM180,000, were detained for further investigation under the Supply Control Act 1961, the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Sabah Ports and Docks Enactment 2002.