Malaysia: MMEA catches boat with crew throwing 15 barrels of petrol into sea

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Wednesday (23 August) said it detained a speed boat carrying 15 barrels of 375 litres of petrol without a permit in Sandakan waters on 22 August. 

Sandakan District MMEA Maritime Captain Zainudin Mohd Zuki said a MMEA patrol boat spotted the boat displaying suspicious signs and ordered the ship’s crew to stop for inspections.

However, the crew did not cooperate and accelerated the boat while throwing 15 barrels of petrol overboard.

The boat then headed towards the shallow waters near the mainland to escape. 

Investigations by MMEA showed that the abandoned boat did not have a registration number. MMEA estimated the value of the confiscated petrol and boat to be worth MYR 16,000 (USD 3,446)

All confiscated items were brought to Sandakan Maritime Zone Jetty to be headed to the investigating officers. The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. 

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 24 August, 2023