TAWAU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency detained three vessels in separate operations here for suspected illegal activities, including unauthorised fuel transfer and transportation of controlled goods.
On Thursday afternoon, a tugboat and a local cargo boat were caught engaging in an unauthorised ship-to-ship transfer of diesel at the mouth of Sungai Bombalai.
The operation, part of Ops Sejahtera 1/2022 and Op Tiris 3.0, was conducted based on intelligence reports.
“Document checks revealed that the crew, consisting of a local and five Indonesian nationals aged 34 to 44, lacked the necessary permits for such activities. One crew member was also found without a valid work permit,” said Tawau Maritime Zone Director Shahrizan Raman.
Earlier the same day, a local cargo boat was intercepted while transporting controlled goods from the Tawau CIQ Jetty to Sebatik Island.
The vessel, operated by two local men in their late 20s and early 30s, failed to present required documentation for its cargo.
All three vessels, their cargo and crew members were detained for further investigation.
The total value of the seized items is estimated at RM3.16 million.
The cases are being investigated under multiple laws, including the Supply Control Act 1961, Petroleum Development Act 1974, Customs Act 1967, Immigration Act 1959/63 and Sabah Ports and Harbours Department Enactment 2002.
Shahrizan said MMEA was committed to enforcing maritime laws, particularly in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone.
Urging the local maritime community to comply with regulations, he warned that violations would not be tolerated.
He urged the public to report any suspicious maritime activities to the Tawau Maritime Zone Operations Centre or the MERS 999 emergency line.
