SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency foiled an attempt to smuggle out 675 litres of subsidised petrol in Tanjung Pasir waters, here, Saturday.
Sandakan Maritime Zone Director Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said a team detected a vessel moving suspiciously towards Tanjung Pasir waters at 2.40am.
The team intercepted the boat using loudspeakers and sirens for inspection.
“After realising the presence of enforcement team, the vessel accelerated towards a nearby mangrove swamp area.
“Two people onboard the vessel managed to escape, leaving the vessel behind.
“The vessel, with an 85 horsepower outboard engine, was seized at 0.1 nautical miles southeast of the Tanjung Pasir estuary,” he said in a statement.
The seized items, including 27 barrels containing 675 litres of subsidised petrol, an outboard engine and the vessel, were estimated to be worth RM15,000.
