MMEA Foils RM2.6 Mln Lobster Seed Smuggling Attempt

KOTA TINGGI, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle lobster seeds worth about RM2.6 million following an intelligence-led operation at Tanjung Belungkor Jetty near here yesterday.

Tanjung Sedili Maritime Zone acting director Commander Mohd Najib Sam, said the seizure was made at 6.46 am after an MMEA patrol boat detected a suspicious fibre-reinforced plastic vessel.

An inspection of the boat uncovered 113 polystyrene boxes containing lobster seeds believed to be destined for Singapore.

Preliminary investigations found that the lobster seeds were brought in from Indonesia before Malaysia was used as a transit point for shipment to neighbouring countries.

The total value of the seizure, including the lobster seeds, the boat and a 150-horsepower outboard engine, is estimated at RM2.68 million.

“The case is being investigated under Section 40(1) of the Fisheries Act 1985. MMEA will continue to intensify enforcement operations and intelligence activities in eastern Johor waters, which have been identified as a smuggling route, to curb cross-border trafficking of high-value fisheries resources,” he said in a statement.

-- BERNAMA