LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle out 24 logs via Lahad Datu waters, here, on Wednesday.
Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali said, during patrol under OP Pluto Timur and Op Tiris, his men spotted two wooden boats in pink and green colors at about 10pm in the 0.5 nautical miles of southeast Sungai Sepagaya.
The team immediately intercepted the two wooden boats without registration number. However, upon being aware of the enforcement presence, both boats sped up and escaped to the mangrove areas.
“The result of inspection on the boats found four mangrove logs and 20 other logs that have been cut. All the logs were believed to be stolen and transported without valid permission.
“The case would be investigated according to the Forestry Enactment 1968 for carrying forest produce without permission and the Penal Code for possessing and carrying stolen goods,” he said.
Dzulfikhar said all the seizures which estimated worth RM8,000 were taken to Maritime Lahad Datu Zone jetty for further action.
In the meantime, MMEA stressed that they will not compromise on any intrusion on forest resources and maritime crimes in state waters.
For any complaints and information on criminal activities as well as emergencies, members of the public may contact Lahad Datu Maritime Operation Centre via WhatsApp at 016-9305727 or 999 for immediate action.
