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SANDAKAN: Regular patrols by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) thwarted two cross-border attempts from the Philippines near northeast Pulau Berhala in separate operations on Tuesday.

In the first case, at 11.49am, KM Pintar intercepted a suspicious vessel from Taganak Island carrying 14 individuals, most of whom were undocumented non-citizens.

One of the passengers attempted to bribe an enforcement officer with cash, but the offer was rejected, and the money was seized as evidence.

All individuals and the cargo vessel were detained and brought to the Sandakan Maritime Zone Jetty at 2.53pm for further investigation under the Immigration Act, Sabah Ports and Harbours Enactment, and the MACC Act 2009.

In the second operation at noon, an unregistered ‘ghost boat’ was stopped with four onboard and 1,000 litres of fuel, believed to be used for illegal cross-border trips, leading to further legal action under supply control laws.