The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle six tonnes of tin ore worth RM600,000 after detaining a barter trade vessel from a neighbouring country yesterday.
Commander Mohammad Zaini Zainal, director of the Batu Pahat Maritime Zone, said the vessel was intercepted at around 3 a.m., approximately 0.1 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Sialu, during a routine enforcement operation.
Inspections of the vessel uncovered 120 sacks of tin ore, with a total estimated weight of 6,000 kilograms.
Three crew members — including a skipper and two foreign nationals aged between 33 and 59 — were detained to assist in investigations under the Customs Act 1967. An initial detention order was also issued for the vessel.
The vessel, along with its cargo and crew, was brought to the Batu Pahat Zone Jetty before being handed over to investigating officers for further action.
