KOTA KINABALU: An attempt to smuggle 425kg of subsidised cooking oil was foiled by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) during a joint enforcement operation off the coast of Kampung Sundang Laut in Sandakan.
The seizure was made during a patrol by the Sandakan Maritime Zone at around 5.45pm, when officers came across an abandoned small cargo vessel in suspicious circumstances, the MMEA said in a statement on Friday (May 16).
"A closer inspection revealed 25 black plastic packages containing 425 packs of subsidised cooking oil, believed to be prepared for smuggling out of the country without the required permits," said Sandakan Maritime Zone director Capt Muhamad Suhairy Hussain.
The confiscated items were seized under the Supply Control Act 1961, and the vessel has been towed to the Sandakan Maritime Zone jetty for further action.
The MMEA stressed that it will not compromise in its efforts to combat the smuggling of controlled goods, which can threaten the nation’s economy and undermine the rights of its citizens.
Members of the public, especially those in the maritime community, are urged to report any suspicious activities at sea.
