KOTA KINABALU, Aug 20 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Kota Kinabalu detained a local fishing boat and a foreign oil tanker, believed to be involved in siphoning about 10,000 litres of diesel in the waters off Kota Kinabalu, on Monday.
Kota Kinabalu MMEA enforcement chief Captain (Maritime) Zin Azman Md Yunus said the ship was held with its crew members at about 12.50am since its presence had raised suspicion.
“Both local and foreign crew members, aged between 21 and 55, were detained for further investigations,” he said in a statement here today.
Zin Azman said inspection also showed the fishing boat was transferring fuel from the tanks meant to keep fish and failed to produce any relevant documents.
He said further investigations found the oil tanker involved was registered in Miri, Sarawak.
The case was being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for suspected illegal transfer of fuel which provides a maximum fine of RM100,000 upon conviction.
— BERNAMA
