MMEA seizes nearly RM830,000 in controlled items from boat off Sandakan
SANDAKAN: Personnel from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized controlled items valued at nearly RM830,000 from a boat allegedly attempting to smuggle them to a neighbouring country off the coast of Sandakan.
Sandakan Maritime Zone director Capt Muhamad Suhairy Hussain reported that the vessel was intercepted approximately 0.8 nautical miles from Tanjung Aru waters late Sunday (July 20), following suspicious behaviour.
"Aboard the boat were a skipper and seven foreign crew members aged between 27 and 50 who failed to produce valid travel documents," he stated.
Additionally, six passengers — four men and two women believed to be foreign nationals aged between 16 and 41 — were found on the vessel.
Further inspection revealed 250 blue drums containing 50,000 litres of petrol, 15 drums filled with 3,000 litres of diesel, and 120 gas cylinders of various brands, all lacking valid declaration documents.
The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1962, Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, and Immigration Act 1959/63.
Suhairy emphasised that the operation demonstrates the agency's ongoing commitment to combat smuggling and safeguard Malaysian waters.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
25 minutes ago
- The Star
Clerk nabbed for CBT involving RM200K of cooperative's funds
SEREMBAN: A 36-year-old clerk has been detained for allegedly committing criminal breach of trust involving almost RM200,000 belonging to a cooperative. The suspect was believed to have transferred the cash online from the cooperative's bank account into her account, a police source said on Monday (July 28). It is learnt that the stolen money was the cooperative members' contributions. The case is being investigated under Section 408 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 14 years, whipping and a fine upon conviction. It has been learned that the suspect will be charged at the Sessions Court here on Tuesday (July 29).
The Sun
25 minutes ago
- The Sun
Bank officer loses RM241,700 in online vehicle scam
KUALA TERENGGANU: A bank officer lost his entire savings, including EPF funds, amounting to RM241,700 in an elaborate online vehicle purchase scam. The victim, a 52-year-old man, fell prey to a fraudulent advertisement for a used four-wheel-drive vehicle on Facebook. Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor stated that the incident began on July 4 when the victim responded to the advertisement. He communicated with the supposed seller via WhatsApp and was asked to provide a copy of his identity card along with an advance payment. 'Between July 9 and 21, the victim made 40 transactions to eight different accounts, totalling RM241,700,' Azli said. The scam escalated when the suspect demanded an additional RM31,000 for alleged fingerprinting costs at the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. The victim realised he had been deceived and lodged a police report yesterday morning. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. - Bernama
The Sun
25 minutes ago
- The Sun
EAIC urges criminal charges against immigration officers for medical visa fraud
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has called for criminal proceedings against Immigration Department officers involved in the unlawful issuance of medical visas to foreign nationals. The findings stem from a probe led by EAIC Commissioner Datuk Seri Dr Razali Ab Malik, which uncovered systemic abuse in granting social visit passes under the medical category. The investigation scrutinised approval protocols, collected witness testimonies, and seized documents before concluding that officers bypassed legal requirements. 'The probe revealed power abuse where incomplete applications were approved despite violating the Malaysian Immigration Circular No. 10/2001,' stated the EAIC. The case has been escalated to the Attorney-General's Chambers under Paragraph 30(1)(c) of Act 700. Charges may be filed under the Penal Code, Immigration Act 1959/63, and Passports Act 1966. - Bernama
