TAWAU, March 20 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) have seized a cargo boat carrying nearly 3,000 kilogrammes (kg) of sugar and cooking oil off the coast of Tawau and detained its skipper for failing to provide the necessary permits.
Tawau MMEA director Maritime Captain Shahrizan Raman said the agency’s patrol vessel 'KM Medang' intercepted the boat during Ops Pagar Laut on Tuesday, travelling from Jeti Makmur towards Pulau Sebatik.
In a statement today, he said his officers found 2,110 kg of sugar and 820 kg of packaged cooking oil on board. The boat was operated by a 30-year-old Malaysian man, assisted by a 25-year-old Indonesian crew member.
“The skipper failed to provide a permit for transporting controlled goods, only producing a declaration for general retail items bound for Pulau Sebatik. The seized goods are valued at an estimated RM40,000,” he added.
The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, with authorities also probing possible smuggling links amid increased demand ahead of the festive season, said Shahrizan.
He urged the public to report maritime crimes to the Tawau Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 089-752116 or via the emergency hotline at 999.
-- BERNAMA
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