In a successful operation, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has thwarted an attempt by two individuals to smuggle 40 live cockerels into Semporna. The incident occurred after MMEA personnel received a tip-off about suspicious activities in the area. Commander Amir Shubli, the director of Semporna MMEA, stated that his team spotted two boats heading towards a water village during a routine patrol at 2:40 am on Wednesday, July 12. Upon approaching the boats, both skippers jumped into the water and disappeared into the darkness under the stilt houses at the village.
Following a thorough inspection, the MMEA team discovered 40 cockerels, worth approximately RM40,000, in plastic cages. These birds were smuggled in from a neighboring country.”We believe the chickens were intended for cockfighting activities,” Commander Amir revealed.
An image showing the two boats transporting the 40 live cockerels can be seen below.
The two boats transporting the 40 live cockerels.
In response, Commander Amir emphasized that the MMEA is actively pursuing the suspects involved in smuggling activities within Semporna. The case is currently being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967, which deals with the transportation of illegal items.
Furthermore, the Semporna MMEA plans to intensify patrols in known hot spots to combat smuggling activities and prevent the entry of illegal immigrants. Commander Amir urged individuals with information regarding illegal activities to report them to the Semporna MMEA operations center at 089-782 619 or the Malaysia Emergency Response Service (MERS) hotline number, 999.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
