SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle 1,020 packets of subsidised cooking oil off Sandakan early Sunday.
MMEA personnel spotted a suspicious vessel at about 5am near Sungai Tanjung Batu and moved to intercept it.
Sandakan Maritime Zone Deputy Operations Director Maritime Commander Ahmad Firdaus Shaari said a man believed to be the skipper sped towards the river before entering a mangrove area and fleeing.
A search of the abandoned boat found 60 bundles containing about 1,020 packets of cooking oil, as well as two outboard engines.
The subsidised oil, packed in 1kg polybags, is sold at a government-controlled price for household consumption.
Ahmad Firdaus said the boat was suspected of transporting controlled goods without a valid permit or authorisation, an offence under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
The boat and seized items, worth about RM60,550, were taken to the Sandakan Maritime Zone jetty for further investigation.
He said smugglers appeared to be resorting to smaller consignments in an attempt to evade detection.
“MMEA will continue patrols and enforcement operations to curb smuggling and prevent leakages involving subsidised controlled goods,” he said.
The public is urged to report maritime crimes or emergencies to the Sandakan Maritime Zone operations centre at 089-229504 or the emergency line at 999.
