SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sandakan Maritime Zone thwarted an attempt to smuggle out 1,870 packets of subsidised cooking oil worth RM50,000 after intercepting two boats in waters off Kampung Bokara Lama here, Saturday.
Effective March 1 (Sunday) foreigners are forbidden from purchasing subsidised cooking oil in bags nationwide.
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Sandakan Maritime Zone Director Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said the incident happened at around 2am when a MMEA patrol boat was conducting routine patrols in the area.
“Enforcement personnel detected two boats behaving suspiciously and moved in to conduct an inspection,” he said in a statement, Sunday.
“Upon realising the presence of authorities, several individuals at the scene fled to a nearby area, abandoning both boats,” he said.
A search of the vessels uncovered 1,870 packets of cooking oil believed destined for a neighbouring country.
Both boats and the seized goods were taken to the Sandakan Maritime Zone Jetty and handed over to investigating officers for further action.
The seizure, including the two boats with outboard engines and the cooking oil, is estimated at more than RM50,000.
Muhamad Suhairy said the MMEA would continue to intensify patrols and enforcement operations to combat smuggling activities and urged the public not to get involved in any illegal activities.
Members of the public with information on maritime crimes are encouraged to call 999 or contact the Sandakan Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 089-229504.
