SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) thwarted an attempt to smuggle 2,400kg of dried anchovies to the Philippines.
Sandakan Maritime Director Maritime Captain Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said a MMEA patrol boat detected a suspicious vessel at 1.5 nautical miles north of Pulau Berhala at 9.40am on July 25.
“Upon inspection, the vessel, equipped with a 40 and 30 horsepower outboard engine, was registered under a fishing licence, while the 57-year-old male skipper was a permanent resident cardholder MyPR),” he said, in a statement, Saturday.
“Further inspection of the vessel revealed 30 sacks containing dried anchovies, weighing an estimated 2,400kg, believed for smuggling to Pulau Taganak, Philippines.”
The estimated value of the seized items, including controlled goods, outboard engine and the vessel, is over RM29,000.
The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 for the attempted smuggling of anchovies without permission and under the Sabah Ports and Harbours Enactment 2002 for violating the conditions of the licence.
Muhamad also advised the public that any information regarding criminal activities or misconduct in the nation’s waters can be reported to the Sandakan Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 089-229504 or emergency line NG999 for immediate action.
