Sandakan: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) thwarted an attempt to smuggle diesel, petrol, and gas worth RM830,000 to a neighbouring country by detaining a pump boat 0.8 nautical miles off Tanjung Aru here today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sandakan maritime zone director Maritime Captain Muhamad Suhairy Hussain stated that the boat, operated by a male skipper with seven male crew members, was detained at 1.05 am after its navigation was detected as suspicious and heading towards the waters of a neighbouring country.

"The boat was found to be carrying 250 blue barrels containing 50,000 litres of petrol, 15 barrels containing 3,000 litres of diesel, and 120 branded cylinders of gas. The skipper and crew of the boat, aged between 27 and 50, failed to produce valid travel documents," said Muhamad Suhairy. Furthermore, they failed to produce valid declaration documents to carry the controlled goods. Additionally, the police arrested four men and two women aged between 16 and 41 from neighbouring countries who were passengers on the boat.

Muhamad Suhairy mentioned that the case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1962, the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, and the Immigration Act 1959/63. "This arrest is part of the MMEA's ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and maintain the security of the country's waters," he added.

He urged the public to channel any information on smuggling activities or maritime crimes by contacting the Sandakan maritime operations centre at 089-222519 or the emergency line 999.