Public tip-off helps MMEA foil attempt to smuggle out price-controlled goods
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) thwarted an attempt to smuggle out price-controlled essential items during an operation that was set up, thanks to a public tip-off.
MMEA Sarawak director First Admiral Zin Azman Md Yunus, in a statement yesterday, said a total of 1,644kg of sugar, 10 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders weighing 14kg each, and 30kg of rice were confiscated from a boat, intercepted at 2.7 nautical miles northwest of Pulau Talang Besar here on Thursday (Sept 14).
During the operation, he said his MMEA team also apprehended four Indonesian nationals onboard the vessel.
“We believe that the boat, with the price-controlled items valued at RM142,000, was heading to Indonesian waters,” said Zin Azman. The MMEA was notified of the boat’s activity from a member of the public. After receiving the report, our patrol vessel in Sematan was immediately despatched to the identified location.
“Checks on the crew showed that all of them, including the skipper, were Indonesians aged between 31 and 55.
“None of them possessed any valid travelling documents.”
The Indonesians, together with the boat, were later brought to MMEA headquarters in Muara Tebas for further investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63, Passort Act 1966, and also the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Amendment 2006).
“In light of this case, MMEA Sarawak is hoping that the members of the public especially the maritime community continue to be the eyes and ears of the agency, in dealing with such illegal activities.
“Reports can be made by calling the MMEA operations room on 082-432544, or call the Malaysian Emergency Response Services via 999,” said Zin Azman.