SIBU, May 6 – Marine Police Region 5 Sarawak has successfully uncovered a major diesel smuggling attempt, seizing 45,000 litres of diesel along with a tugboat and a tanker lorry. The total value of the confiscated items is estimated at RM9.5 million.
The operation, carried out under Op Taring Pensura, took place in the waters of Batang Igan. It involved officers and personnel from Marine Police aboard patrol boat PSC 12. According to Region 5 Commander ACP Ab Rahman Mat Hasan, the raid was triggered after officers observed suspicious activities at a private jetty.
“Our team noticed diesel being transferred from a tugboat to a tanker lorry. Upon inspection, the crew and the lorry driver were unable to provide any valid documents or authorisation from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN),” he said in a statement.
As a result, the team seized the diesel, the tugboat, and the tanker lorry for further investigation.
The case is currently being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961, which carries heavy penalties including jail time, fines, or both for those found guilty of illegal possession and transportation of controlled goods.
Further investigations also uncovered multiple other offences. These include violations under the Sarawak River Ordinance 1993 (SRO) for not appointing a certified helmsman and operating without a River Transport Permit (RTP). In addition, the vessel was found to be in breach of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 (MSO) for lacking a certified Chief Engine Driver.
“The offences under SRO have been referred to the Sarawak Rivers Board, while the MSO offences have been handed over to the Malaysian Marine Department,” ACP Ab Rahman added.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of enforcement agencies to clamp down on diesel smuggling and unlicensed marine operations in Sarawak’s waters.
