Malaysia: MMEA Perlis detains modified fishing boat suspected of smuggling diesel
- Published
by Admin
The Perlis state division of Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Saturday (29 August) said it has detained a fishing trawler boat for smuggling oil at a location 0.01 nautical miles from the Kuala Perlis estuary.
Maritime Commander Mohd Shafie bin Haji Paing, Director of Kuala Perlis Maritime Zone, said the MMEA had recently received reports of local fishermen smuggling diesel to be sold in neighbouring countries, so they started a patrol operation to investigate these claims.
“While on patrol at 11 am on Friday, our team discovered the vessel’s captain and a crew member filling up on diesel,” said Maritime Commander Mohd Shafie.
“When the two realised that the patrol team was approaching, they ran onto shore to getaway.”
Initial investigations of the trawler revealed that the compartment to store fish had been modified to become an oil tank.
The MMEA discovered that the vessel had planned to smuggle at least 4,000 litres of diesel worth MYR 7,000 (USD 1,680).
The vessel is suspected to be in violation of the Fisheries Act 1985 for modifying a vessel without the proper permits from the Department of Fisheries and the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
The vessel and diesel onboard have been brought to the Perlis Maritime Zone jetty for further investigations.
Photo credit: MMEA
Published: 31 August, 2020
