SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here foiled a smuggling attempt of some 800 kilograms of dried anchovies to neighbouring countries at Sandakan waters, recently.
Sandakan Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Captain Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said the MMEA patrol boat detected a boat at 5.2 nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Pamaguan heading to Taganak Island at 1.25pm on the day of the incident.
Upon inspecting the vessel, he said they found it was operated by a skipper and a crew aged 35 and 56, respectively, both of whom are foreigners.
“Further inspection on the boat revealed 13 sacks of dried anchovies with an estimated weight of 800kg believed smuggled out to Taganak Island, Philippines.
“The value of the seizure including dried anchovies, outboard engines and the boat was estimated to be more than RM48,000,” he said in a statement here on Friday.
Muhammad Suhairy said all the loot was brought to the Sandakan Maritime Zone Jetty and handed over to the investigating officer.
“The case is investigated under the Malaysian Fish Development Board Act for bringing out dried anchovies for export without a valid licence.
“This is an offense under the Sabah Ports and Docks Enactment 2002 for violating valid conditions of the licence. In addition, the suspect is also investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for having dubious identification documents,” he said.
He said MMEA welcomes the public with any information related to criminal activities or misconduct in national waters by contacting the Sandakan Maritime Zone Operations Center at 089-229504 or the emergency line NG999 for immediate action.
