SANDAKAN: Maritime authorities foiled a suspected smuggling attempt involving 1,020 packets of subsidised cooking oil after intercepting a boat off Sandakan early Sunday (Sept 13).
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) spotted the suspicious-looking vessel at about 5am near Sungai Tanjung Batu.
Sandakan Maritime Zone deputy operations director Maritime Commander Ahmad Firdaus Shaari said the boat was intercepted about 18m north-west of the river.
"As our enforcement team approached, a man believed to be the skipper sped towards the river before entering a mangrove area and fleeing," he said here on Monday (Sept 14).
A search of the abandoned boat uncovered 60 bundles containing an estimated 1,020 packets of cooking oil, along with two outboard engines.
The subsidised oil is sold in 1kg polybags at a government-controlled price for household consumption.
Ahmad Firdaus said the boat was suspected of carrying controlled goods without a valid permit or authorisation, an offence under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
The boat and seized items, valued at about RM60,550, were taken to the Sandakan Maritime Zone jetty for further investigation.
Ahmad Firdaus said smugglers appeared to be handling smaller consignments in attempts to evade detection.
MMEA would continue its patrols and enforcement operations to curb smuggling and prevent leakages involving subsidised controlled goods, he added.
The public is urged to report maritime crime or emergencies to the Sandakan Maritime Zone operations centre at 089-229504 or the emergency line, 999.
