SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here detained a tanker carrying 8,000 litres of subsidised petrol without proper authorisation on Tuesday.
Sandakan Maritime Zone Director Captain Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said that the MMEA team, while conducting an operation, detected the tanker at 4am Tuesday as it was heading towards Sandakan Bay.
Upon inspection, they found that the tanker was operated by a 72-year-old local, assisted by five crew members aged between 33 and 41, both locals and foreigners, who had valid identification documents.
“The tanker, carrying 8,000 litres of subsidised petrol, was detained for suspected violations under the Supply Control Act 1961, which involves transporting controlled goods without proper authorisation or valid documents.
“Additionally, they were also detained under the Customs Act 1967 for presenting suspicious documents.
“All confiscated items were brought to the Sandakan Maritime Zone jetty and handed over to the investigating officer for further investigation,” he said in a media statement Wednesday.
Suhairy also advised the public to report any criminal activities or misconduct in the country’s waters to the MMEA.
“Those with information can contact the Sandakan Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 089-229504 or call the emergency line 999 for immediate action,” he said.
