SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has foiled an illegal crude palm oil transfer activity in Sandakan waters on Saturday, with a seizure worth RM2.08 million, including two vessels.
Sandakan Maritime Zone director Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said the incident was detected at about 2am while a patrol boat was conducting a routine patrol following a tip-off.
He said the team found a suspicious barge about 0.10 nautical miles off the south Bandar Leila here and inspection revealed that crude palm oil was being transferred to a small cargo boat using a pump.
“As the patrol boat approached the location, several individuals attempted to flee but were successfully stopped by enforcement personnel.
“Further Inspection found about seven tonnes of crude palm oil had been transferred into the small cargo boat’s tank, while an estimated three tonnes remained in the barge, Muhammad said.
Five individuals were detained, comprising four local men and one Filipino, aged between 29 and 48, believed to be crew of the barge and the small cargo boat.
“Both vessels, along with the cargo estimated to be worth RM2.08 million, were escorted to the Sandakan Maritime Zone jetty for further investigation by MMEA in collaboration with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB),” he said.
Muhammad said MMEA will continue to intensify patrols and enforcement to curb illegal activities in the country’s waters.
The public is also urged to channel information to the Sandakan Maritime Operations Centre at 089-229504 or via the emergency line 999 to enable immediate action.
In TAWAU, a 50-year-old local was arrested during a raid at a petrol station in Batu 3, Jalan Apas on Saturday after he was found transporting 300 litres of subsidised diesel without a permit in a modified vehicle.
Tawau District Police Chief Jasmin Hussin said the raid was carried out at about 4.40pm.
“The suspect failed to produce any licence or permit to possess the 300 litres of subsidised diesel,” he said, Sunday.
The operation was conducted by a task force from the Internal Security and Public Order Division of the police led by DSP Sukvinderjeet Singh A/L Channan Singh, following intelligence and surveillance.
Further inspection revealed a modified fibre tank believed used to store the fuel.
Police also seized a four-wheel-drive Isuzu Trooper, the vehicle keys and the modified tank used for diesel storage.
The total value of the seizure, including the vehicle, diesel and equipment, is estimated at RM11,445.
Jasmin said the suspect and the seized items have been handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Tawau branch for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961.
He warned the public against getting involved in the illegal handling of controlled goods, stressing that strict action will be taken against offenders.
Members of the public with information on such activities are urged to come forward and assist authorities, including through the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) platform.
