KOTA KINABALU: Maritime officials in Sabah foiled an attempt to smuggle rice out of the country while patrolling the waters off Lahad Datu on Friday (Oct 27).
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), zone director for Lahad Datu, Commander Nik Mohd Rizam Nik Mohd Fauzi, stated that they received information about two suspicious vessels near Sibet Bay.
“Upon receiving the information at 1.35am, our patrol vessels rushed to the said area, and while they neared, they saw two moving pump boats,” he said in a statement.
He further explained that as they got closer, they observed two individuals jumping off the boats and swimming into the darkness.
“Upon inspection, they discovered 1,520kg of various types of rice believed to have been smuggled into the neighboring country on the two vessels,” Rizam stated.
He added that the rice and pump boats were confiscated and brought back to the Maritime jetty for further action. The value of the confiscated items was estimated to be around RM24,000.
Rizam urged local communities, especially those residing in coastal areas, to continue cooperating with maritime authorities and other enforcement agencies to prevent crime.
“The public can contact the Lahad Datu Maritime operations center at 089-885727 or the 999 emergency call center to provide information regarding any suspicious activities,” he advised.
