BINTULU: Marine Police Force (PPM) Region 5 Bintulu successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle diesel worth more than RM40 million during an operation in the waters off Kuala Tatau last Saturday.
PPM Region 5 Sarawak Commander, ACP Abdul Rahman Mat Hasan, said a patrol team aboard ‘PA 49’ conducting ‘Ops Taring Gelora’ intercepted a tanker vessel named ‘Paradise’ (ON 334757) about 10 nautical miles from Kuala Tatau at 11 am.
“Checks found seven foreign crew members from Myanmar on board the vessel.
“Further inspection uncovered an estimated 200,000 litres of diesel without any valid documentation or permits,” he said in a statement.
He said the skipper and all crew members were detained to assist investigations under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122) for failing to produce authorisation documents, licences or permits for carrying controlled goods.
“The case has been handed over to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Bintulu for further action,” he added.
Abdul Rahman said the total seizure, including the diesel and the vessel, was valued at RM40.77 million.
He stressed that PPM Region 5 will continue to intensify enforcement efforts to combat smuggling activities involving controlled goods in Sarawak waters.
“The public is advised not to engage in such illegal activities as they not only cause losses to the nation but also carry severe legal consequences,” he warned.
