Jamal checking on a vehile in Kangar. — Bernama photo
KANGAR: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry detained a Thai who allegedly filled up a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle with 280 litres of RON95 petrol at the Padang Besar Industrial Park here yesterday.
Upon inspection of the 4WD, enforcement officers from the ministry’s Perlis branch found the vehicle bearing Thai registration had been modified with an additional fuel tank connected to the original tank.
Its enforcement chief, Jamal Nor Ahmad Harun said a team patrolling the area about 10am detected the man behaving in a suspicious manner while filling up the 4WD with petrol at a station.
“Upon seeing the officers, the man immediately stopped (filling up the petrol) and even tried to leave the area. An examination of the vehicle revealed an additional tank connected to the original tank.
“It was found the additional tank can hold up to 280 litres of petrol while the capacity of the original tank is 80 litres, indicating the 4WD was used to smuggle petrol and diesel to the neighbouring country, he told a press conference at the ministry’s store in Behor Pulai here today.
Jamal Nor said such a tactic was very popular as feedback revealed the current price for a litre of petrol in Thailand was RM3.60, while diesel was priced at RM2.80 per litre.
“The huge price difference has resulted in the ongoing (smuggling) activities but the Malaysian authorities are always on their toes,” he assured.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 which provides a maximum fine of RM1 million and a jail sentence up to three years or both. — Bernama