KOTA KINABALU: An attempt to smuggle in over RM26,000 worth of cosmetics was successfully intercepted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) at Semporna waters early Thursday (Aug 10).
According to Semporna MMEA director Maritime Commander Amir Shubli, their patrol boat acted upon receiving intel and made the seizure at the north of Pulau Gaya waters there at 1.55am.
“Upon reaching the location, the team saw the suspicious boat and the skipper fled and abandoned the boat, jumping into the sea and swimming towards the village surroundings near the Gaya Island.
“The team inspected the vessel and found several boxes containing cosmetics products of various brands, believed to have been smuggled in from the neighbouring country to be marketed around Semporna district.
“Following this, Semporna MMEA will conduct a detailed investigation to trace the suspect, believe to be actively involved in smuggling activities around the district.
“The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1) (a) of the Customs Act 1967 for the offence of importing or exporting any uncustomed goods or any prohibited goods contrary to such prohibition whether such uncustomed or prohibited goods be shipped, unshipped, delivered or not.
“If found guilty, the individual is liable for the first offence to a fine no less than ten times of the value of the customs duty or RM50,000, whichever is higher, and not exceeding 20 times the amount of the customs duty or RM500,000; whichever is the greater amount; or being imprisoned for five years or both,” said Amir in a statement.
He said they will continue to intensify patrolling around the hotspots especially at the country’s water borders to curb smuggling and entry of illegals into Sabah via sea route.
