KOTA KINABALU: Two Filipinos were detained by the Kudat Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for ferrying controlled goods on board a fishing boat without a valid permit in Kudat waters.
Among the items confiscated were 12 drums of petrol estimated to be around 300 litres, two boxes of packet cooking oil, and 10 gas tanks weighing 16kg each, said Kudat MMEA director Maritime Commander Maurice Grenville Abeyeratne.
In a statement here on Monday (Aug 7), he said the seized items, including the boat, all estimated to be worth around RM100,000, had been handed over to the Kudat maritime investigating officer for further action.
According to Maurice, the culprits were approached by the MMEA patrol boat during Ops Pluto Timur about two nautical miles northeast of Kudat Marina at around 6.10am on Sunday (Aug 6).
“Upon inspection, both of the suspects, aged in their 30s, are found in possession of dubious documents and they were found ferrying items categorised under controlled goods.
“The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for possessing controlled items with the intention of committing offences as well as under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for possessing dubious identification documents.
“The case is also being investigated under the Ports and Harbour Enactment 2002 for breaching the licence validity.
“Kudat MMEA also urged the public, especially the maritime community, to report any wrongdoings at sea via its operation centre at 088-611 858 or MERS999,” he added.
In Kudat waters, the Kudat Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained two Filipinos for transporting controlled goods on a fishing boat without a valid permit. Kudat MMEA director Maritime Commander Maurice Grenville Abeyeratne stated that the seized items included 12 drums of petrol totaling approximately 300 litres, two boxes of packet cooking oil, and 10 gas tanks weighing 16kg each. The total estimated value of the seized items, including the boat, is around RM100,000. These items have been handed over to the Kudat maritime investigating officer for further action.
The incident occurred during Ops Pluto Timur when the MMEA patrol boat approached the culprits, who were around two nautical miles northeast of Kudat Marina at about 6.10am on Sunday (Aug 6). Upon inspection, it was discovered that both suspects, in their 30s, possessed dubious documents and were transporting goods classified as controlled items.
Investigations into the case will be carried out under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, as the suspects intended to commit offenses by possessing controlled items. The Immigration Act 1959/63 will also be considered, as the suspects were found with suspicious identification documents. Furthermore, the case may also be investigated under the Ports and Harbour Enactment 2002 due to the breach of license validity.
Kudat MMEA urges the public, particularly the maritime community, to report any maritime wrongdoings through its operation centre at 088-611 858 or MERS999.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
