SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sandakan Zone recorded four separate enforcement cases involving three local fishing boats, an unregistered speedboat and a premise in and around Sandakan waters on Oct 14.
MMEA Sandakan Zone director Kepten Maritim Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said the operations resulted in 10 individuals being detained to assist with investigations, alongside the seizure of boats, marine catches, diesel fuel and other items suspected of being linked to offences under the law.
The first case involved a local fishing boat intercepted at about 2.50am. Inspections found that the boat was operated by a Malaysian skipper and two non-Malaysian crew members. It was also carrying an estimated 50 kg of marine catch.
In the second case, another local fishing boat was detained at approximately 3.14am. The vessel was operated by a Malaysian skipper and one non-Malaysian crew member.
Checks uncovered an estimated one tonne of marine catch, five 14kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, as well as related equipment and documents.
A third local fishing boat was intercepted at around 3.30am. It was operated by a Malaysian skipper and three crew members, including one non-Malaysian.
Inspections found approximately one ton of marine catch, five 14 kg LPG cylinders, along with related documents and equipment.
In a separate case, MMEA personnel inspected an unregistered speedboat and a premise in Kampung Seng Kee.
The inspection led to the discovery of 25 jerry cans, each with a capacity of 30 litres, containing a total of 750 litres of diesel.
The authorities also seized the speedboat and a 250-horsepower outboard engine. The total value of the seizures in this case was estimated at RM51,952.50.
Overall, the three fishing boats and their related seizures were valued at approximately RM456,400, while the seizures involving the speedboat and premises were estimated at RM51,952.50.
The total estimated value of assets seized across all four cases amounted to RM508,352.50.
The cases are being investigated under relevant laws, including the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and the Sabah Ports Enactment 2002, subject to the findings of each investigation.
MMEA said it would continue to intensify patrols and enforcement operations to curb unlawful activities and safeguard the security and sovereignty of Malaysian waters.
Members of the public with information on maritime crime or emergencies are urged to contact the MMEA Sandakan Operations Centre at 089-229504 or call the emergency hotline at 999 for immediate assistance. – James Leong
Two suspects with the LPG cylinders seized by MMEA Sandakan on Oct 14.
