SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized a boat carrying about seven tonnes of crude palm oil during an operation in Sandakan waters early Monday.
Sandakan Maritime Zone Director Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said the vessel was detained following intelligence monitoring by a patrol boat conducting “Op Khas Pagar Laut”.
The boat was spotted behaving suspiciously about 0.5 nautical miles northwest of Ulu Sibuga before officers moved in for inspection.
“Upon noticing the authorities, several individuals fled into a nearby mangrove area, abandoning the boat,” Muhamad Suhairy said.
Inspection revealed the vessel was transporting about seven tonnes of crude palm oil without a valid permit or authorisation from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).
The boat and cargo, estimated at around RM75,000, were escorted to the Sandakan Maritime Zone Jetty for further investigation in collaboration with MPOB.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activity in local waters by contacting the Sandakan Maritime Operations Centre at 089-229504 or the emergency line 999.
