Officers from the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry in Kedah confiscated 4,000 litres of petrol and 1,000 litres of diesel meant to be smuggled out, at the Bukit Kayu Hitam industrial area.
In the 9.45am raid, the officers seized a Thailand registered pickup truck laden with the diesel at an illegal fuel storage area, together with the fuels all valued at RM35,000. Kedah enforcement head Suhaimi Mat Sari said the operation was conducted following tip-offs from the public and they managed to detain a 30-year-old local owner of the place while the driver of the pickup escaped.
“The place, which stores petrol and diesel oil, just started operating for aweek and it is used to smuggle oil to the neighbouring country in the morning using vehicles from Thailand.
“The oil supply is obtained from petrol stations in Kubang Pasu and Alor Setar areas and delivered during the night to avoid detection,” he told reporters.
The suspect will be charged under the Supplies Control Act 1961, which carries a fine of up to RM100,000 or not more than three years’ jail or both, upon conviction.
– Bernama
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