SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized 3,200 litres of subsidised diesel from a boat suspected of smuggling on Sunday.
Seven individuals aged between 15 and 72 were detained after maritime officers stopped the vessel about 2.3 nautical miles southeast of Pulau Libaran at 9am.
Sandakan Maritime Zone Director Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said the boat carried 18 blue drums of diesel believed to be destined for a neighbouring country.
The suspects face multiple charges, including possession of controlled goods without authorisation under the Supply Control Act 1961.
Three crew members were also found without proper identification, violating the National Registration Regulations 1990.
Additional offences include using another boat’s licence and failing to carry proper safety equipment, breaching the Sabah Licensed Small Vessels Regulations 2008.
The total seizure, including the vessel, is estimated at nearly RM107,000. All evidence has been taken to Sandakan Maritime Zone Jetty for further investigation.
“This arrest shows the Malaysian Maritime’s continued commitment to combating smuggling activities and protecting our national waters,” Muhamad Suhairy said.
The public is urged to report any smuggling or maritime crime to the Sandakan Maritime Operations Centre at 089-222519 or 999.
