Sandakan: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized 1,870 packets of subsidised cooking oil believed to be smuggled out in two boats in the waters of Kampung Bokara Lama here early yesterday morning. Sandakan Maritime Zone director Capt (M) Muhamad Suhairy Hussain stated that the seizure occurred at about 2 am when a patrol boat was conducting a routine patrol in the area and found the two boats in a suspicious situation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, several individuals at the location ran away to the surrounding area after discovering the presence of the patrol boat and left both boats behind. Capt Muhamad Suhairy Hussain mentioned in a statement today that the estimated value of the entire seizure-which includes 1,870 packets of cooking oil, two boats, and engines-is over RM50,000.

The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, he added.