SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sandakan Zone detained a tugboat carrying approximately 10,000 litres of diesel believed to be without valid documents or authorisation in waters off Sandakan early Sunday morning.
Sandakan Zone Maritime Director Kepten Maritim Muhamad Suhairy Hussain said the tugboat was detected by an MMEA operation team while travelling in Sandakan waters before it was ordered to stop for inspection.
“Inspection found that the tugboat was carrying approximately 10,000 litres of diesel, believed to be without valid documents or authorisation,” he said in a statement, adding that two local men aged 36 and 39 were also detained to assist investigations.
The diesel and tugboat were seized for further investigation, with the total value estimated at RM552,000, while the case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 (MSO).
Muhamad Suhairy said the MMEA would continue intensifying enforcement operations in Malaysian waters to curb the smuggling and misuse of controlled goods, particularly subsidised diesel, while members of the public with information on criminal activities or emergencies at sea can contact the Sandakan Zone Maritime Operations Centre at 089-229504 or 999.
