MMEA BUSTS ATTEMPT TO SMUGGLE IN 7,500KG OF TIN ORE, BOAT AND 11 CREW MEMBERS DETAINED

KUANTAN, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained 11 Indonesian men and seized a fiberglass boat carrying approximately 7,500 kilograms of suspected crushed tin ore, valued at RM900,000.

Pahang Maritime Director First Admiral (Maritime) Mazlan Mat Rejab said the 11 crew members, including the skipper, aged between 23 and 52, along with the boat, were detained at 11.40 pm yesterday, about 1.5 nautical miles southeast of Tioman Island.

“Upon realising the presence of the MMEA patrol boat, the vessel fled towards Tioman Island before being successfully intercepted after a chase lasting about 55 minutes.

“Initial investigations found that the boat is believed to have originated from Sarang Island, Batam, Indonesia, and was attempting to smuggle the cargo into national waters,” he said in a statement today.

He added that all of them were taken to the Teluk Gading Maritime Post Jetty to be handed over to the MMEA Investigating Officer for further investigations.

“The boat is suspected of committing an offence under the Customs Act 1967 for attempting to import or export uncustomed goods, as well as under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for failing to produce valid identification documents,” he said.

Mazlan said MMEA will continue to strengthen maritime border control through integrated intelligence and continuous patrols to ensure the safety and sovereignty of the country's waters are always protected.

“The MMEA urges the public to channel any information related to criminal activities or emergency incidents at sea through the Pahang State Maritime Operations Centre at 09-571 7345 or the emergency line 999 for immediate action,” he said.

-- BERNAMA