KOTA KINABALU – A fishing boat skipper has been found with 6,700 litres of diesel hidden without permit on board his modified vessel.
The Sabah marine police detected his ruse during a coordinated operation near the Sabah Fish Marketing Authority complex yesterday evening.
Marine police operation chief Roslan Awang said the trawler had been fixed with eight tanks when it was being inspected during the operation, which began at 5pm.
“The eight tanks were modified in the boat’s engine space and contained 5,000 litres of diesel, while other modifications were also done on one of the tanks, which had 1,700 litres of diesel,” he said here today.
“A portable pump and hose were also hidden onboard the vessel. All the items were confiscated from the 63-year-old fishing boat skipper.”
The estimated value of the confiscated materials was RM266,905.
“The skipper failed to produce the necessary permit from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry,” he said.
The fishing vessel had also been confiscated and brought to the marine base here.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for unlawful possession of controlled articles. – The Vibes, June 12, 2021
