An attempt to smuggle various controlled and daily essential goods using an unregistered pump boat was successfully thwarted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) in an operation carried out in Semporna waters yesterday.
The incident occurred at about 4.20am when a suspicious vessel was detected during a routine patrol before attempting to flee upon noticing the presence of enforcement authorities.
Semporna Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Amir Shubli, said the suspect boat was spotted during an integrated patrol under Op Sejahtera, Op Khas Cegah PATI (OCP) Covid-19 Eastern Sector, and Op Tiris 4.0.
He said the boat operator accelerated in an attempt to escape, triggering a short pursuit lasting about 25 minutes before the vessel was intercepted approximately 0.1 nautical miles northeast of Kampung Bangau-Bangau.
Such early morning smuggling activities are often linked to syndicates attempting to evade detection by exploiting low visibility conditions and reduced maritime traffic.
However, swift coordination and readiness by enforcement teams allowed authorities to successfully intercept the boat before it could reach nearby settlements.
During the chase, the boat operator reportedly jumped into the sea and fled towards a nearby water village in Kampung Bangau-Bangau to avoid arrest.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the syndicate frequently conducts operations during pre-dawn hours in an effort to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies.
A detailed inspection of the grey-coloured pump boat uncovered seven gas cylinders, five jerry cans filled with petrol, ten 10-kilogram bags of rice, 14 five-litre paint cans, nine one-litre paint cans, and a red fish storage container.
All seized items, along with the boat and engine, were later towed to the Kem Azumi Jetty in Semporna and handed over to investigating officers from the Maritime Zone Headquarters for further action.
The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and the Customs Act 1967.
Authorities reiterated that Maritime Malaysia will not compromise with any parties involved in illegal activities at sea, particularly smuggling of controlled goods.
Members of the public are also urged to assist enforcement efforts by reporting any suspicious maritime activity to the relevant authorities.
