Six illegals detained in Sandakan
SANDAKAN: The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) District Maritime 17 (DM17) arrested six illegal immigrants in two separate locations, yesterday.
In the first incident, MMEA foiled the skipper’s attempt to bring three illegal immigrants from Sandakan to Taganak Island, Philippines.
In the incident at 2.05pm, MMEA detained the suspicious boat near Tanjung Aru. Upon inspection, three men aged 28 to 59 were found onboard and failed to present valid identification.
In the second case, MMEA detained a 12-year-old skipper transporting three illegal immigrants believed from the Philippines near Pulau Nunuyan Laut.
Both cases will be investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/ 63.
Maritime Director Captain A. Razak bin Abd Rahman said all those arrested including the boats were taken to the Maritime Malaysia Sandakan jetty and handed over to the investigating officer for further action.
“We will continue to enhance the security and maritime law enforcement to ensure the safety of our waters are always guaranteed and I hope that the maritime community can also cooperate by supplying any information relating to maritime crime by contacting the Operations Centre at 089-229 504 or DM17 online MERS 999,” he said.