The state government of Malacca is investigating allegations that shipwrecks in its territorial waters have been looted, in activities that have been going on as far as the late 1990s.
Malacca probes sunken treasure thefts
The Star, 26 June 2011
The state Museum Authority has been ordered to get more evidence on reports that hundreds of underwater artefacts from dozens of shipwrecks off the Tanjung Tuan coast here have been stolen by relic hunters.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the evidence was crucial for the state government to file a police report on the alleged theft of these submerged treasures.
“I will ask the relevant authorities to conduct a probe in a bid to get more proof for the police and also to execute legal action against the culprits.
“There were reports that irresponsible individuals had gone underwater to take away the national treasures that are worth billions.
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