Kudat MMEA detains two Filipinos for ferrying controlled items without permit

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.