KOTA KINABALU: An undocumented Filipino man was arrested by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), thwarting an attempt to smuggle over RM25,000 worth of petrol to a neighbouring country on Thursday (Dec 5).
Kudat Maritime Zone director Maritime Commander Hasbullah Omar said the operation was carried out near Pulau Mandi Darah following reports of frequent fuel smuggling activities in Kudat waters.
He said they acted on intelligence regarding the frequent smuggling activities in the area.
"A patrol boat was dispatched to the area. At 4.30am, the vessel detected a darkened boat near Telukan Paitan, prompting a pursuit.
During the chase, two individuals jumped into the sea in an attempt to escape. However, a 28-year-old Filipino man was apprehended along with 25 barrels of petrol, containing about 5,000 litres of petrol," he said.
Hasbullah urged the public to report any maritime crimes to the MMEA via their 24-hour hotline.
