SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sandakan Zone successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 1,550 litres of petrol without valid documentation.
The incident occurred approximately 0.8 nautical miles west of Berhala Island in the early hours of Wednesday. Two men onboard a wooden cargo boat transporting the items, were detained.
The suspects aged 42 and 38, failed to produce their identification papers when checked by MMEA personnel, MMEA Sandakan zone director Kepten Maritim Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said in a statement yesterday.
The cargo boat was intercepted at 1.35 am near Berhala Island after attempting to flee upon spotting the MMEA patrol boat, Suhairy said.
Sixty-two jerrycans containing petrol (1,550 litres), believed to be smuggled to a neighbouring country were also seized. The cargo boat was also suspected of operating without a valid licence, he added.
The case is being investigated under Supply Control Act 1962 (smuggling controlled goods), Immigration Act 1959/63 (illegal entry) and Sabah Ports and Harbours Enactment 2002 (operating a vessel without proper documentation), Suhairy said.
Estimated value of seizure is around RM27,000. – James Leong
