MMEA Miri detains 3 crew members, tanker with 250,000 litres of diesel on board

TESAI 3 has been detained by MMEA Miri for carrying 250,000 litres of diesel worth RM450,000.

MIRI, Sept 12: A tanker carrying 250,000 litres of high quality diesel worth about about RM450,000 was detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here on Monday (Sept 10) for suspected involvement in fuel smuggling activities.

MMEA Miri chief Captain Mohamad Fauzi Othman said his personnel were on a routine patrol when they spotted the tanker three nautical miles from Tanjong Lobang at about 12.10pm.

The tanker, TESAI 3, was detained at 12.50pm together with its three crew members — one local and two India nationals.

“Upon inspection, the crew failed to produce verified documents from the Customs Department and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs,” Mohamad Fauzi said in a statement yesterday.

The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, Customs Act 1967 and Control of Supplies Act 1961. — DayakDaily