KOTA KINABALU: Authorities discovered 305 packets of 1kg subsidised cooking oil left behind in a ship in Sandakan waters on Saturday (June 25), believed hidden in an try to smuggle them right into a neighbouring nation.
Sandakan zone Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) found the products contained in the vessel that was docked and coated among the many mangrove bushes close to Sungai Besar Tanjung Aru waters, at 12.20pm when conducting Ops Pluto Timor.
The boat registered underneath a fishing licence is believed to have been deserted by the proprietor as soon as the perpetrator realised the presence of enforcement officers who had been on patrol round that space, stated Sandakan MMEA director Maritime Capt Zainudin Mohd Zuki.
“Further inspection found 18 boxes filled with 305 packets of cooking oil, suspected to be intended for smuggling into a neighbouring country.
“The estimated value of all seized goods including the boat and outboard engine totalled to RM21,000.
“All confiscated items have been brought to the Sandakan maritime jetty and handed over to the investigating officer for further actions,” added Zainudin in an announcement on Sunday (June 26).
He stated additional investigation will likely be carried out to hint the boat proprietor, mastermind and culprits behind the smuggling actions, and the case is being investigated underneath Control of Supplies Act 1961.
