MIRI: Malaysian maritime authorities have seized more than RM221,000 worth of smuggled liquor in Limbang waters as part of intensified enforcement efforts against cross-border smuggling activities ahead of the festive season.
The operation, carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri Zone, led to the discovery of 1,170 cartons of alcoholic beverages during a late-night patrol on Thursday (May 14).
Miri Maritime Zone director Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said the seizure was the result of intelligence gathered through ongoing surveillance and enforcement efforts in northern Sarawak waters.
Acting on the information, a patrol vessel conducting routine monitoring intercepted the consignment at about 10.15 pm, approximately 0.1 nautical miles west of Limbang Jetty.
The cartons, wrapped in black plastic and stacked neatly to avoid detection, were found abandoned after the smugglers allegedly fled upon realising enforcement officers were closing in.
“The liquor is believed to have been intended for the local market, where demand is expected to increase ahead of the festive season,” Mohd Khairol said in a statement yesterday (May 16).
He described the success of the operation as evidence of the agency’s operational efficiency and the strength of its intelligence network.
“Maritim Malaysia will not compromise with any parties attempting to use our waters as a route or transit point for illegal smuggling activities,” he said.
Preliminary investigations indicate the liquor originated from a neighbouring country and was being smuggled into Sarawak in violation of the Customs Act 1967.
The confiscated goods were transported to the Miri Maritime Zone headquarters for documentation and further investigation before being handed over to enforcement officers for follow-up action.
Mohd Khairol said patrols and enforcement operations in Limbang waters would continue to be intensified to safeguard the country’s maritime borders against cross-border crime and illicit trafficking activities.
