TAWAU: A local cargo boat transporting three tons of sundry and controlled goods, was intercepted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) 2.2 nautical miles south of Tanjung Batu on Tuesday.
MMEA Tawau zone director Kepten Maritim Shahrizan Raman said MMEA boat KM Medang on patrol during Ops Pagar Laut 1/2025 intercepted the cargo boat which was sailing towards Sebatik Island from Jeti Makmur at about 6.00 pm.
Preliminary checks showed the vessel manned by a local skipper, 30, and an Indonesian assistant, 25, only had declaration papers for the sundry goods and did not have permit for the controlled items, Shahrizan said.
Shahrizan said the vessel with the cargo which included 2,110 kgs of sugar and 820 kgs of packet cooking oil, estimated worth at RM 40,000, was escorted back to the MMEA Tawau jetty for further investigation under Control of Supplies Act 1961.
“We are also investigating to determine if the controlled items are being smuggled to a neighbouring country to cater for the festive season demand,” he said. – James Leong
