09-05-2025
Marine police detain boat, tanker lorry attempting to transfer 24,000 litres of diesel in Kuala Baram
Handout photo shows the boat caught transferring diesel to the tanker lorry.
MIRI (May 9): The marine police detained a boat and tanker lorry in the process of transferring diesel at the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) jetty in Kuala Baram here on Monday.
Marine Police Force Region 5 Sarawak commander ACP Ab Rahman Mat Hasan said the shipmaster and lorry driver were also held during Op Taring Landai for failing to produce any documented proof of authorisation from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).
'Further checks found that both the lorry driver and the shipmaster, both of whom are local citizens, failed to produce any documented proof of authorisation to possess or store or transport controlled goods without a permit or special approval from KPDN.
'As a result of the raid, the authorities seized one boat, one tanker lorry, and approximately 24,000 litres of diesel fuel,' he said in a statement today.
The total estimated value of the seizures was approximately RM10.252 million.
Ab Rahman said the arrests and seizures were made under the Supply Control Act 1961 and the case is being investigated by KPDN.
Additionally, he said the shipmaster also committed offences under the Sarawak Rivers Ordinance 1993 for operating without a qualified Master/KED and failure to produce a River Transport Permit during inspection, as well as offences under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 for operating without a boat licence and operating without a chief engine driver.
He explained that cases under the Sarawak Rivers Ordinance 1993 have been referred to SRB, while those under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 were referred to the Marine Department Malaysia for further action.
The police, especially Marine Police Region 5 Sarawak, welcome all forms of information and cooperation from the public, and strongly encourage tip-offs to help combat crime effectively.
Those found guilty under the Supply Control Act 1961 (Section 21): Possessing/Storing/ Transporting Controlled Goods Without Permit/Licence/special approval from KPDN may be punished with imprisonment, a fine, or both.
