SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here detained a tugboat carrying about 10,000 litres of diesel without valid documents in Sandakan waters early Sept 27.
MMEA Sandakan Zone director Kepten Maritim Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said the tugboat was detected by an enforcement team while moving through the area and was ordered to stop for inspection.
“Inspection found the tugboat was carrying about 10,000 litres of diesel believed to be without valid documents or authorisation,” he said.
Two local male suspects, aged 36 and 39, were also detained to assist investigations.
The diesel and the tugboat, with an estimated combined value of RM552,000, were seized for further investigation.
The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for possessing or storing scheduled controlled goods, namely about 10,000 litres of diesel, without authorisation, and under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 (MSO) for failing to produce protection and indemnity (P&I) insurance and for having insufficient crew as required under its licence.
“MMEA will continue to intensify enforcement in Malaysian waters to curb smuggling and misappropriation of controlled goods, particularly subsidised diesel, to protect public interests and ensure supplies remain secure,” Muhamad Suhairy said.
Members of the public with information on maritime crime or emergencies are urged to contact the Sandakan Zone MMEA Operations Centre at 089-229504 or the emergency line 999 for immediate action. – James Leong
The tugboat detained by MMEA in Sandakan waters on Sunday.
