KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has apprehended a group of eight crew members, including the captain, on suspicions of unlawfully loading government-owned diesel onto an unidentified tanker.
In a press release issued by First Admiral (Maritime) Zin Azman Md Yunus, director of Sarawak MMEA, it was revealed that the estimated value of the fuel involved amounted to RM215,000.
“The incident occurred at 4am last Monday (June 12) in the waters of Tanjung Po, above Muara Tebas, prompting immediate action by Sarawak MMEA.
“The detentions were carried out in response to a complaint received by the Sarawak MMEA Operations Centre. Subsequent investigations revealed that the tugboat involved in the alleged illegal activity was operated by the detained crew members, all of whom are local citizens aged between 24 and 73. The individuals were found to possess valid identification,” he disclosed.
The crew members are now being held on suspicion of breaching the trust placed in them under the Penal Code (Act 574). It is believed that they sold the diesel fuel, which was originally supplied by the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) for offshore measurement tasks.
Sarawak MMEA Operations Centre has provided a 24-hour hotline for reporting any suspicious activities, maritime crimes, or emergencies at sea. Individuals can contact them at 082-432544 or 010-7728909.
