LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here detained two Filipinos suspected of illegally carrying 35 pieces of sawn timber in Kunak waters early Saturday.
Lahad Datu Zone Maritime Director, Komander Maritim Dzulfikhar Ali, said the arrest was made around 5.00 am based on intelligence gathered through OP SEJAHTERA 1/2022 and OP TIRIS 4.0.
“A suspicious vessel with several pieces of timber found floating and tied to the boat was spotted by the MMEA patrol boat,” he said.
According to him, inspection revealed the vessel was operated by two Filipinos, aged 51 and 33, who failed to produce any valid identification documents.
Further checks uncovered 35 pieces of sawn timber believed to have been stolen from Timbun Mata Island. Urine screening tests also confirmed both suspects were positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.
The case is being investigated under the National Forestry Act 1984 / Sabah Forest Enactment 1968 for possessing sawn timber without a valid permit, the Immigration Act 1959/63, and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Dzulfikhar stressed that MMEA will not compromise on any encroachment on forest resources or maritime criminal activities in the nation’s waters.
Members of the public with information regarding maritime crimes are urged to contact the MMEA Lahad Datu Zone Operations Centre via WhatsApp at 016-9305727 or the emergency hotline 999 for immediate action. – James Leong
The sawn timber seized by MMEA in Kunak waters on Saturday.
