BATU PAHAT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized 3,338 cartons of clove cigarettes of various brands, worth RM286,482 including tax, to be smuggled into the country through Batu Pahat waters on Wednesday.
MMEA southern region chief, Maritime First Admiral Adon Shalan said the cigarettes, believed from Indonesia were found inside a stranded boat at the mangrove swamps at Sungai Koris estuary, at about 6.15am.
Adon said from inspection inside a boat measuring 15 metres long with three Yamaha 200 horsepower engines, which had been modified, they found 50 sacks filled with a variety of cigarettes, including Gudang Garam Surya, Gudang Garam Nusantara Hijau, Gudang Garam Nusantara Merah and Half Time 5.
He said the boat and engine worth RM35,000, had been brought to the customs jetty for further investigation and the case would be investigated under Section 135(1)(e) Customs Act 1967.
He requested members of the public especially fishermen in those area, to channel the informationon on such activities to MMEA at 07-4344020. — Bernama