SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here intercepted a boat attempting to smuggle out controlled goods without authorisation. The boat was detained approximately 0.8 nautical miles west of Tanjung Niug on Friday.
According to Sandakan Zone MMEA Director Kepten Maritim Muhamad Suhairy Hussain, two foreigners, onboard the boat, aged 30 and 34, were detained.
Preliminary inspection revealed that the boat was carrying 126 barrels containing 2,520 litres of petrol and 510 kilogrammes of cooking oil without a valid permit.
Further investigation indicated that both suspects are believed to be involved in several offences, including transporting petrol and cooking oil without a valid permit under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, possessing dubious identification documents under the Immigration Act 1959/63, and using questionable boat documents under the Sabah Ports and Harbours Enactment 2002.
The total estimated value of the seizure, including the boat, is RM53,000. All detainees and seized items have been taken to the Sandakan MMEA Jetty for further action and investigation by MMEA investigation officers.
“MMEA will continue to enhance patrols and enforcement to combat any smuggling activities and legal violations in national waters,” he added.
He also urged the public to relay any information regarding smuggling activities or maritime crimes directly to the Sandakan MMEA Operations Centre at 089-229504 or the emergency line 999 for immediate action.
In Tawau, 30 homes were destroyed in a fire at Kampung Sri Aman, a water village, late Saturday night. No casualties were reported.
The Tawau Fire and Rescue Station was alerted at 11.23 pm on 13 December and brought the blaze under control by 12.44 am Sunday. The fire engulfed wooden and plank houses over an area of approximately 262 by 229 feet.
A total of 29 firefighters from the Tawau and Kunak stations, supported by Kampung Titingan community fire team, battled the fire using water from a fire hydrant and portable pumps drawing seawater. Their efforts prevented the fire from spreading to an estimated 300 nearby houses.
The operation, also supported by police, civil defence, and utility personnel, concluded at 3.10 am. – James Leong
The controlled goods confiscated by MMEA Sandakan.
