Two Thai Men Held Over Attempt To Smuggle Subsidised RON95 Fuel Through Bukit Kayu Hitam
Modified Pickup Trucks Allegedly Used To Transport Large Quantities of Petrol Across Border
BUKIT KAYU HITAM — Two Thai nationals were arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle approximately 1,000 litres of subsidised RON95 petrol out of Malaysia using two pickup trucks at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) yesterday.
Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN) Kedah said the smuggling attempt was foiled during an operation conducted by the Pasukan Gerakan Am (PGA) at around 6.30am.
According to the ministry, inspections were carried out on two foreign-registered Toyota Hilux vehicles before officers discovered specially modified auxiliary tanks believed to have been installed for storing subsidised fuel.
“Checks found that each vehicle was carrying around 500 litres of RON95 petrol stored in additional fuel tanks,” the statement said.
Authorities believe the vehicles had been modified specifically to transport large quantities of fuel illegally across the border into Thailand.
Following the discovery, both suspects were detained while the petrol and vehicles involved were seized for further investigation.
The total value of the seizure, including the fuel and vehicles, was estimated at RM104,200.
According to Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup, the suspects were later handed over to KPDN Kubang Pasu for further investigative procedures including statement recording and documentation.
However, both men were later released on police bail after initial investigations were completed at the Kubang Pasu district police headquarters.
The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961, which provides strict penalties for the smuggling of controlled goods including subsidised petrol.
Fuel smuggling along Malaysia’s northern border continues to remain a major concern for authorities due to the high demand for Malaysian fuel in neighbouring countries and the financial impact on government fuel subsidies.
-wilayah.com.my
