MMEA foils attempt to smuggle 40 live cockerels into Semporna


One of the live cockerels seized in the operation.

KOTA KINABALU: An attempt by two men to smuggle in 40 live cockerels into Semporna has been foiled by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

Semporna MMEA director Commander Amir Shubli said his men were on routine patrol at about 2.40am Wednesday (July 12) in waters off Kampung Kuala Bibang after receiving a tip-off about suspicious activities in the area.

On reaching the location, he said, they spotted two boats heading towards a water village.

"When the team approached, both boats' skippers jumped into the water and disappeared into the darkness under the stilt houses at the village," he said.

"Following a check, the team found the 40 cockerels in (plastic cages), worth about RM40,000, smuggled in from a neighbouring country.

The two boats transporting the 40 live cockerels.The two boats transporting the 40 live cockerels.

"We believe the chickens were meant for cockfighting activities," he said.

Amir said the MMEA was in the midst of tracking down the suspects who they believe are heavily involved in smuggling activities in Semporna.

He added the case was being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 for transporting illegal items.

Amir said the Semporna MMEA would also intensify patrols in hot spots to curb smuggling activities as well as the entry of illegal immigrants.

He urged those with information on illegal activities to report it to the Semporna MMEA operations centre at 089-782 619 or the Malaysia Emergency Response Service (MERS) 999 number.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
MMEA , Cockerels , Smuggling , Semporna , Cockfighting

Next In Nation

WHO: Malaysia deserves award for tobacco control efforts
Qatar's initiative to broker ceasefire successfully defused tensions in Middle East, says Anwar
'Thank You, Malaysia' Indonesian legendary singer Kris Dayanti overwhelmed with local fans at her nostalgia concert
Asean urged to strengthen chemical incident response
Finance and Health Ministries form new committee to address private healthcare costs
PMO: Criticism an essential part of celebrating democracy
Indonesian man detained for wildlife smuggling at KLIA2
Raja of Perlis reprimands municipal officers for 'Little Napoleon' behaviour
PM Anwar in top health after annual check-up, says PMO
Online Safety Act to be enforced once guidelines are finalised, says Fahmi

Others Also Read