By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, March 4: A total of 50 boxes of assorted liquor (1,200 cans) and 80 cartons of cigarettes (16,000 sticks), worth an estimated RM40,000, were seized by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri during an enforcement operation near Tanjung Kuala Lawas on March 3.
Miri Maritime Zone Deputy Director of Operations, Maritime Commander Mahkos Juing said the seizure took place approximately 0.22 nautical miles (0.4km) from Tanjung Kuala Lawas following intelligence gathered by MMEA Miri’s reconnaissance unit.
Acting on the tip-off, the maritime patrol vessel Petir 80 was deployed to the area. At around 12.10am, officers detected suspicious activity 0.1 nautical miles away.
Upon noticing the patrol vessel, a white four-wheel-drive vehicle was seen attempting to evade capture.
By 12.20am, enforcement officers reached the riverbank, where they discovered black packages suspected to contain illicit cigarettes and liquor.
The contraband was seized and transported to the MMEA Miri complex for further investigation under the Customs Act 1967, which prohibits the smuggling of duty-unpaid goods into Malaysia.
Reaffirming its commitment to combating smuggling and maritime crime, MMEA Miri vowed to intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts in Malaysian waters.
“We will not compromise with any party involved in illegal activities,” the agency stated, urging the public to report maritime crimes.
Suspicious activities, complaints, or maritime emergencies can be reported via the emergency hotline 999, the MMEA Miri Operations Centre at 085-649111, or the Sarawak Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544 / 082-432016. — DayakDaily
