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.

Subscribe now to our Premium Plan for an ad-free and unlimited reading experience!

MMEA , Cockerels , Smuggling , Semporna , Cockfighting

   

Next In Nation

Sunway Malls wins big at the 2023 ICSC MAXI Awards
Dr Noor Hisham gets back to hospital work
Pahang aims to improve position as exporter
Akmal Nasrullah: 256 private housing projects revived as of August
Be wary of 'cognitive hacking' to avoid scammers, says MCMC
Johor Crown Prince, family safe following Bangkok shooting
INTERACTIVE: Which areas are worst hit by the haze? Find out here
Sabah bets on Birdwing
Opt for safety first, say consumer groups
Anwar: Fuel prices cannot go any lower, billions spent on subsidies

Air Pollutant Index

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Source: Department of Environment, Malaysia

    Others Also Read