TAWAU: A 29-year-old local boat skipper suspected of acting as a “fuel runner” was arrested after his cargo boat was intercepted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) near Pulau Sebatik on Monday.
Authorities found 14 boxes of subsidised cooking oil packets and six gallons of fuel, about 120 litres in total, being transported without proper permits.
The suspect was also found to be operating a boat not registered under his name.
The seizure, estimated at RM43,000, is believed linked to repeated small-scale smuggling activities between mainland Tawau and Sebatik.
The arrest followed intelligence-led operations under Op Pluto Timur and Op Tiris.
The suspect, vessel and cargo were taken to the Tawau Maritime Zone Jetty for investigation under the Supply Control Act 1961 and Sabah Ports and Harbours Enactment 2002.
Authorities said enforcement in smuggling hotspots will be intensified.
