Smuggling of 28,000 litres of subsidised diesel foiled

PASIR GUDANG: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency seized subsidised diesel and vehicles, all worth RM3.3 million, in an illicit fuel transfer attempt at Muara Sungai Paloh, near here, last night.

MMEA Johor state director First Admiral Maritime Nurul Hizam Zakaria said during the raid, about 28,000 litres of diesel were being siphoned from a fuel truck to an anchored boat.

Five men, aged between 29 and 64, including two Indonesians and a Myanmar national were arrested. The suspects also failed to produce valid documents.

Three vehicles including the boat and diesel were seized, carrying a combined value of RM3.3million.

One of the vehicles was a pickup truck, believed to have been used by the gang as a getaway vehicle.

It is learnt that whenever the suspects noticed approaching authorities, they would immediately disconnect the hose and left the fuel tanker and boat behind, while making their quick gateway in the pickup truck.

Nurul Hizam said acting on surveillance and intelligence gathered, MMEA Tanjung Sedili patrol boat was deployed to Muara Sungai Paloh at 12.30am.

Upon arrival, the patrol boat unit officers spotted the anchored boat and fuel truck with hoses attached to a generated pump.

"The suspects were transferring the subsidised diesel from the fuel truck to the boat without valid permits," he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 361(1) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, Section 135(c) of the Customs Act 1967, Regulation 18 of the Control of Supply Act (Amendment) 2021 and Regulation 21 of the Control of Supplies Regulations 1974.

Nurul Nizam said MMEA will continue to conduct thorough checks and frequent patrols in its commitment to curb the misappropriation of subsidised diesel.

He urged the public to assist MMEA in combating any maritime-related illegal activities by reporting them to its Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 07-8916591 or the MERS 999 hotline.