SANDAKAN: The district Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here foiled an attempt to smuggle out 10 people by boat from Pulau Berhala to Pulau Taganak in the Philippines yesterday.
Six men, three women and a 2-year-old boy were among detained in the 2.30pm incident.
Its director Maritime Captain A Razak Abd Rahman said the boat, which was registered for fishery purposes, was detained by an MMEA patrol boat during a routine Op Pluto Timur at Sandakan waters.
“It is believed all passengers intended to go back to their hometown in the Philippines based on the finding of bags with clothing and a toddler in tow.
“Further investigation revealed nine of them had no valid documents and will be investigated under Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said in a statement.
The boat and 10 people were sent to the district MMEA jetty for further investigation.
Razak said MMEA would continue to increase security surveillance and maritime law enforcement to ensure safety in the waters.
He also urged the community to work together by providing information to the authorities.