KUCHING: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Sarawak Region) has busted a diesel smuggling syndicate during an integrated operation (Ops Bersepadu) from March 14 to 22.
The operation was conducted together with Marine Fisheries Department (Sarawak) and Marine Department (Sarawak).
MMEA state director First Admiral Ismaili Bujang Pit said a cargo vessel carrying around 100,000 litres of diesel worth about RM135,000 was caught on March 15 about 75 nautical miles from Mukah. The vessel was detained on suspicion of carrying out oil smuggling activity at sea.
“Five foreigners aged between 19 and 51 were arrested during the operation. The vessel was brought to Bintulu Port for further investigation,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
He believed the vessel bought diesel from other vessels and resold it to third parties on the sea. This was based on the findings of a transaction book record, receipts of purchase and documents found on the vessel concerned. He said two more arrests were made involving vessels of local fishermen about 60 nautical miles from Pantai Kuala Mukah on March 15 and about 13 nautical miles from Pantai Tanjung Sirik on March 22.
“They were found to have violated the terms of their licences,” he said, adding the cases were being investigated under Section 8 (b) of the Fisheries Act 1985. He said the operation involved seven assets and 120 officers and other personnel.
On another subject, the Marine Fisheries Dept and Marine Dept will be holding a deep-sea fishing competition in Miri from April 14 to 17. Various categories would be held for local enthusiasts to take part in.
“The grand prize of RM20,000 awaits the winner. There are also other prizes to be won,” he said. So far, about 30 people have registered for the competition, he added.
