SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sandakan Zone seized approximately four tons of crude palm oil (CPO) from a cargo boat spotted near a barge in Sandakan waters early Saturday morning, over suspected breaches of maritime and palm oil regulations.
MMEA Sandakan Zone Director Kepten Maritim Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said the vessel was inspected following public information about suspicious activities in the area during a joint enforcement effort under Ops Sejahtera 1/2022, Ops Khas Cegah PATI (OCP) Utara COVID-19 and Ops Tiris 4.0.
The inspection also uncovered petrol, a pump engine and two 50-horsepower outboard engines. The total value of the seized vessel and items was estimated at RM63,792.
Preliminary findings indicated that the cargo boat had allegedly violated the Malaysian Palm Oil Board Act 1998 by failing to display the required domestic movement declaration. It was also suspected of breaching the Sabah Ports and Harbours Enactment 2002 for failing to display a boat licence.
The vessel and seized items were taken to the MMEA Sandakan Zone jetty for further action. No arrests were made.
Muhamad Suhairy urged members of the public to report maritime crime or emergencies by contacting the MMEA Sandakan Operations Centre at 089-229504 or calling 999. – James Leong
A MMEA Sandakan personnel checks a boat suspected of being used to illegally transfer crude palm oil on Saturday.
