SANDAKAN: An unregistered boat was detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) some 1.3 nautical miles northeast of Pulau Berhala, here, on Tuesday afternoon.
Sandakan Maritime Zone Director Maritime Captain Zainudin Mohd Zuki said the suspicious boat continued to speed despite being ordered by MMEA personnel to stop.
“After a 15-minute chase, the boat which uses two outboard engines of 250 horsepower each was intercepted at 4.15pm.
“The boat carrying 35 people comprising 10 men aged between 17 and 67, 21 women aged between 13 and 71 and four children is suspected of trying to exit illegally towards Taganak Island, Philippines,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.
Also found on the boat were controlled items, namely 17 25-litre barrels containing petrol and six sacks of frozen chicken estimated to weigh 90kg.
All those arrested and the boat were escorted to the Sandakan Maritime Zone Jetty to be handed over to MMEA investigation officers.
The case is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Supply Control Act 1961 and the Sabah State Ports and Docks Enactment.
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