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KUDAT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle about 4,000 litres of petrol believed to be bound for a neighbouring country during an operation in Kudat waters on Thursday.

Kudat maritime director Hasbullah Omar said the success stemmed from intelligence information and enforcement patrols conducted under Op Sejahtera, Op Cegah PTI, Op Tiris and Op Naga.

He said an unregistered boat was detected moving in a suspicious manner about 1.5 nautical miles northeast of Pulau Linggisan before it was intercepted by a Malaysian Maritime patrol boat.

The boat crew allegedly fled by jumping into the sea after noticing the presence of enforcement authorities, while inspection of the vessel uncovered several drums containing an estimated 4,000 litres of petrol believed to be intended for smuggling to the Philippines.

The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for possessing and transporting controlled goods without valid permits or documents, while the seized boat and cargo were taken to the Kudat Town Board jetty for further action.