KUDAT: Two Filipinos were among three individuals arrested onboard a boat for various offences, including transporting livestock without a permit at Kudat waters on Wednesday (May 15).
Kudat Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said in a statement on Thursday (May 16) that one of the immigrants did not possess valid identification, while the other had dubious documentation.
Their team initially received a report of a suspicious vessel located about 12.3 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Pulun Batum, Balambangan.
“The report was received around 12.27am (on Wednesday) after our state Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA) traced the unidentified boat, and a patrol boat on duty was sent to the location.
“Around 1.50am, they spotted the boat at 2.8 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Tiga Papan where three men, including a local, aged between 46 to 54 years old, were on board.
“The vessel was stopped for inspection. They found four live goats and four live cows inside the boat,” said Kudat zone MMEA director Maritime Commander Maurice Grenville Abeyeratne.
He added that the animals were transported without a permit from authorities and believed meant to be marketed.
“The suspects and confiscated goods were detained for further investigation, and the total seizure, including the boat, is estimated at over RM35,000.
“The case is being investigated under Control of Supplies Act 1961, Immigration Act 1959/63, Animal Enactment 2015 and state Ports and Harbour Enactment 2002 (for not possessing a license for a boat),” he added.
