Malaysian duo honoured after helping Singapore police recover stolen boat in cross-border case

SINGAPORE, June 17 — Two Malaysian men were recognised for their role in helping Singapore police recover a stolen boat in Malaysian waters, The Straits Times reported.

Muhammad Azrie Manab and Khairil Faizal Othman received the SaferSG Public Spiritedness Award on June 16 in a ceremony held at sea off northern Pulau Ubin.

According to The Straits Times, Azrie, a fisherman, spotted a Singapore-registered pleasure craft moored at a buoy in Malaysian waters on June 2.

He found the vessel unusual in that location and took a photo before sending it to his cousin, Khairil.

Khairil then alerted a Police Coast Guard (PCG) patrol boat the same day after approaching officers at sea.

Police said the information helped PCG locate and recover the missing craft, which had been reported stolen earlier that day.

With assistance from the Royal Malaysia Police’s Marine Police Force, PCG took over the vessel and later returned it to its owner.

At the award ceremony, PCG commander Ang Eng Seng thanked both men for their assistance.

He said criminals often exploit jurisdictional boundaries, adding that cooperation between agencies and communities in both countries helps extend enforcement efforts across borders.

Police also urged the public to report any suspicious vessels or maritime activity promptly.

Investigations are ongoing.