Two ships smuggling diesel held in Sabah waters

KOTA KINABALU: Two cargo ships transporting diesel without approval in Pulau Mantanani waters off Kota Belud, were intercepted and detained by authorities on Monday (July 15).

Sabah and Labuan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in a statement here on Tuesday (July 16), said the two vessels were traced by Arau maritime ship (KM Arau) when patrolling.

“The ships were getting at a closer range suspiciously, and KM Arau acted in approaching and inspecting the vessels believed to be carrying out Ship To Ship (STS) activity.

“Upon inspection, both vessels were found to be registered in Malaysia with each holding eight local crews including their skippers.

“Further investigation found both were unable to provide documentation to transport diesel,” said Sabah and Labuan MMEA director Maritime First Admiral Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik in the statement.

He said both ships were brought in for probe under Control of Supplies Act 1961, Customs Act 1987 and Petroleum Development Act 1974.

The total seizure of vessels and diesel was estimated to be near RM80,000, he added.