SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized 945 litres of subsidised petrol worth about RM4,400 from an unnumbered water-based premises at Kampung Tinusa here early Wednesday.
Sandakan Maritime Zone Director Capt Maritim Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said the seizure was made during Op Sejahtera 1/2022, Op Khas Cegah PATI (OCP) Utara and Op Tiris 4.0.
He said the enforcement team acted on a public complaint about the unloading of jerry cans suspected to contain petrol.
“Acting on the information, the team proceeded to the location and detected an unnumbered premises on the water.
“Further inspection found 30 jerry cans inside the premises, believed to contain petrol,” he said in a statement.
MMEA also detained a 34-year-old local man at about 12.35am to assist investigations.
The 30 jerry cans containing 945 litres of petrol, together with the suspect, were taken to the Sandakan Maritime Zone headquarters before being handed over to the investigating officer.
Muhamad Suhairy said the case was being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for allegedly possessing and storing a scheduled controlled item, namely subsidised petrol, without a valid permit or authorisation.
He said MMEA would continue intensifying enforcement operations in Sabah waters to curb the smuggling and misuse of controlled goods, particularly subsidised fuel.
“Members of the public with information on criminal activities or emergencies at sea are urged to contact the Sandakan Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 089-229504 or the emergency line 999 for immediate action,” he said.
