SANDAKAN: An attempt to smuggle RM27,000 worth of petrol to a neighbouring country was foiled by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), here, early Wednesday.
According to Sandakan Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Captain Muhamad Suhairy Hussain, a cargo boat was spotted about 0.8 nautical miles west of Pulau Berhala, which tried to flee when approached by a MMEA patrol vessel, but was intercepted at 1.35am.
“Upon inspection, 62 jerry cans containing a total of 1,550 litres of petrol were found and believed to be intended for smuggling to a neighbouring country.
“The skipper and crew failed to present valid identification documents, while the boat itself did not have a valid operating licence,” he said in a statement.
Two individuals, aged 42 and 38, were detained in the operation.
The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1962, Immigration Act 1959/63 and Sabah Ports and Harbours Enactment 2002 for offences including smuggling of controlled goods, unlawful entry and operating a vessel without valid documentation.
Muhamad Suhairy urged the public to report any smuggling or maritime crime activity to the Sandakan Maritime Operations Centre at 089-222519 or the emergency line 999.
