TAWAU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled a suspected smuggling operation on Tuesday after intercepting a cargo boat skipper attempting to conceal subsidised goods beneath empty bottles while heading towards Pulau Sebatik.
The vessel was stopped about 2.15 nautical miles south of Mile 3, Jalan Apas during joint operations Pluto Timur, Sejahtera, and Tiris at around 7am.
Tawau Maritime Zone Director Arrifin Ghazali said authorities seized 400 sacks of rice (four tonnes), 27 gallons of petrol (700kg), the boat, and its outboard engine, with an estimated total value of RM55,000.
“The cargo boat appeared suspicious as it moved from the Mile 3 Jalan Apas area towards Pulau Sebatik while our patrol team was on duty in Tawau waters,” he said.
Further checks revealed the 60-year-old local skipper was accompanied by a 58-year-old assistant holding a neighbouring country’s passport. The skipper failed to produce valid permits to transport controlled and subsidised goods to Sebatik.
The duo, vessel, and cargo were brought to the Tawau Maritime Zone Jetty for further action.
Authorities are investigating potential cross-border smuggling given the volume of goods and suspicious movements.
Only registered transporters authorised by authorities are permitted to deliver large quantities of controlled and subsidised goods to Pulau Sebatik.
MMEA continues to strengthen enforcement against illegal activities and urges the public to report suspicious activities in Tawau waters to the Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 089-752116 or emergency line 999.
