SEMPORNA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) successfully foiled two attempts to smuggle subsidized petrol worth nearly RM165,000 in integrated operations in the waters off here.
In the first incident, the MMEA team seized four pump boats, 26 jerry cans filled with petrol, and a 40HP outboard engine, with an estimated total value exceeding RM10,000 near Pulau Bum-Bum on Tuesday.
According to Komander Maritim Amir bin Shubli, Director of MMEA Semporna Zone, the swift action was taken during Ops Pluto Timur 2/2023, Ops Khas Cegah PATI (OCP), and Ops Tiris 3.0, based on intelligence regarding suspicious activities in the area.
“All crew members fled by jumping into the sea, abandoning their boats and cargo on reaching shallow waters upon realising the presence of MMEA assets,” Amir explained.
In a separate case near Tanjung Kapur, the MMEA intercepted an attempt to smuggle subsidized petrol worth nearly RM155,000 about 1.00 am on Wednesday.
A modified cargo boat, suspected of carrying 1,100 litres of petrol, was seized after its skipper escaped into a mangrove area. Authorities also confiscated a 200HP outboard engine and an electric pump.
All seized items were taken to Kem Azumi jetty and MMEA Semporna jetty respectively for further action under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
Amir stressed that the MMEA will continue to intensify patrols and enforcement to ensure national waters, particularly in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE), remain free from maritime crimes, including the smuggling of controlled goods like subsidised fuel.
“This success demonstrates our commitment to combating illegal activities in Malaysian waters,” he asserted. – James Leong
