KUDAT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) successfully detained a cargo boat carrying petrol, scheduled controlled goods and ammonium nitrate fertiliser without permission during an enforcement operation yesterday.
The boat was successfully detained after being spotted in suspicious conditions approximately 0.4 nautical miles southeast of Dogoton, Banggi Island.
Kudat Zone Maritime Director, Maritime Commander Hasbullah Omar said that, based on intelligence information, a team of personnel and officers conducted surveillance before successfully detecting a cargo boat in the waters in question.
He said that the inspection found that the cargo boat was operated by four individuals, consisting of one local citizen and three Filipinos, aged between 20 and 30 years old.
“All individuals involved were immediately detained while the cargo boat and goods estimated to be worth RM150,000 were seized for further action.
“The boat was then escorted to the Kudat Port Jetty for further inspection and investigation,” he said in a media statement yesterday.
According to him, the arrest was the result of intelligence and the efficiency of the operation members in detecting and curbing suspicious activities in the waters of Banggi Island.
He said that MMEA will continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement to combat smuggling activities and ensure the security and sovereignty of the country’s waters are always maintained.
“The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961, the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Dangerous Weapons Act 1958.
“Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is committed to continuing to strengthen maritime enforcement for curb illegal activities and protect security and national interests,” he said.
In this regard, Hasbullah asked the public who have information regarding suspicious activities in the country’s waters to channel it to the MMEA for enforcement action.
He said any information can be channeled via the 999 emergency line or the Kudat Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 088-611 858 for immediate action. – Fardy Bungga
Four suspects, including one local and three foreigners, were detained for further investigation.
