55 jerrycans of petrol seized in Semporna

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The two men who were nabbed trying to smuggle out 55 jerrycans of petrol.

SEMPORNA: An attempt to smuggle out 55 jerrycans of petrol by two individuals were foiled by the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here early yesterday morning.

Its district zone director, maritime commander Norrimi Hassan, said, a pump-boat was detained by a MMEA patrol in the waters off Bum-Bum Island at about 3 am after a sea-chase. Two undocumented crewmen were also detained in the process.

According to Norrimi, petrol smuggling activity takes place quite often in Semporna and based on MMEA reports, there were two cases last year and the case yesterday was the first for this year.

He said, the value of the seizure, including the boat and its engine, is estimated at about RM12,000 and the case will be investigated under the Control Supply Act 1961 and the Immigration Act 1969/63.

Meanwhile, he called on the public to offer their assistance and cooperation to channel any information pertaining to such activities to the Semporna Maritime Zone at 089-782619 or MERS 999.