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LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two Filipino men suspected of carrying 35 pieces of sawn timber in waters off Kunak, Saturday.

Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali, said the arrests were made at 5am during Ops Sejahtera and Ops Tiris at 0.3 nautical mile southwest of Jeti Pangkalan Kunak following intelligence.

He said a suspicious red vessel was spotted, with some timbers seen floating and tied to the vessel.

“An inspection found that the boat was operated by two Philippine nationals, aged 33 and 51, who failed to produce any identification documents.

“Further inspection found 35 pieces of sawn timber believed stolen from Pulau Timbun Mata areas,” he said, adding that urine tests found both suspects to be positive for drugs.

The case is being investigated under the National Forestry Act 1984 and the Sabah Forest Enactment 1968 for possession of sawn timber without valid authorisation, as well as under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.