SIBU: Marine police have foiled an attempt to illegally transfer 45,000 litres of diesel from a tugboat to a tanker during an operation code-named ‘Op Taring Pensura’.
Sarawak Marine Police Region 5 commander ACP Ab Rahman Mat Hasan said the activity was detected at a private jetty in Batang Igan on Apr 30.
“The vessel’s crew and lorry driver failed to produce any valid documentation from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) for the ownership, storage, or transfer of the controlled goods.
“The diesel, vessel and tanker, with a total seizure value of about RM9.31 million, were seized for further investigations under the Control of Supplies Act 1961,” he said.
Five men were also taken into custody for committing various offences under the Sarawak River Ordinance (SRO) 1993 for failing to have a qualified skipper operating the vessel and failing to submit a River Transport Permit (RTP).
In addition, they are also being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1960 for operating without a certified chief engine driver.
Ab Rahman stated that the case under SRO has been handed over to the Sarawak Rivers Board, while the case under MSO has been handed over to the Marine Department for further action.
