LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle 1,750 litres of petrol to a neighbouring country after seizing two unregistered pump boats in waters off Kampung Sinakut Tengah here on Sunday.
The seizure was made by the MMEA Lahad Datu during Ops Sejahtera and Ops Tiris 4.0, following intelligence gathered by the agency.
MMEA Lahad Datu Zone Director Komander Maritim Dzulfikhar Ali said the two boats were detected at 6am and 6.20am, respectively, during a patrol operation.
Initial inspections revealed that the blue and green boats were carrying 38 and 32 jerry cans of petrol, respectively, with each container holding 25 litres.
The total haul amounted to 70 containers, or 1,750 litres of petrol, with an estimated value of RM18,000.
However, several individuals believed to have been operating the boats managed to escape, abandoning both vessels and their cargo upon noticing the presence of enforcement personnel.
In addition to the fuel, enforcement officers also seized four boat pump engines believed to have been used in the suspected smuggling operation.
Both boats, together with their cargo, were subsequently towed to the Felda Sahabat MMEA Base before being handed over to the Investigating Officer at the MMEA Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Headquarters for further action.
“The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for the suspected attempted smuggling of petrol to a neighbouring country,” Dzulfikhar said.
Dzulfikhar said MMEA Lahad Datu would continue intensifying enforcement operations and maritime surveillance to curb smuggling activities and safeguard the security and sovereignty of the country’s waters.
“Members of the public with information or who witness suspicious activities at sea are urged to contact the MMEA Lahad Datu Operations Centre via WhatsApp at 016-930 5727 or call the MERS 999 emergency hotline,” he added. – James Leong
A MMEA Lahad Datu personnel checks the two boats and containers.
