SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia) Sandakan Maritime Zone detained a boat and two suspected foreign smugglers during an operation off Tanjung Niug on Friday.
The boat was intercepted about 0.8 nautical miles west of Tanjung Niug during a routine patrol.
Sandakan Maritime Zone director Captain Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said the two suspects, aged 30 and 34, were found carrying 2,520 litres of petrol and 510kg of cooking oil without valid permits.
Initial investigations indicated multiple offences, including possession and transport of controlled goods without authorisation under the Supply Control Act 1961, possession of dubious identification documents under the Immigration Act 1959/63, and the use of questionable boat documents under the Sabah Ports and Harbours Enactment 2002.
The total value of the seizure, including the boat, was estimated at RM53,000. The suspects and seized items were taken to the Sandakan Maritime Zone Jetty for further investigation.
