By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, May 6: Marine Police Region 5 Sarawak has seized 45,000 litres of diesel along with a tugboat and tanker lorry, with the total value of confiscated items estimated at RM9.3 million, during an anti-smuggling operation in the waters of Batang Igan.
In a TVS news report, Region 5 Commander ACP Ab Rahman Mat Hasan said the seizure was carried out under ‘Op Taring Pensura’ involving a team of officers and personnel aboard patrol boat PSC 12.
He said the operation was launched after officers observed suspicious activity at a private jetty involving a tugboat and a tanker lorry.
“Upon inspection, diesel was found being transferred from the tugboat to the lorry. Initial investigations revealed that the crew and lorry driver failed to present valid authorisation documents from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN),” he said in a statement today.
Following the discovery, the tugboat, tanker, and diesel were seized for further investigation.
The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961, which provides for penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both upon conviction.
Further checks revealed additional offences under the Sarawak River Ordinance 1993 (SRO) for failing to appoint a qualified helmsman and not possessing a River Transport Permit (RTP), as well as under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 (MSO) for operating without a certified Chief Engine Driver.
“The SRO-related offences have been referred to the Sarawak Rivers Board, while the MSO-related case has been handed over to the Malaysian Marine Department for further action,” he added. — DayakDaily
