Thai soldier held at Bukit Kayu Hitam over petrol smuggling attempt

Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS commander Fauzi Yusuf says 400 litres of petrol, valued at RM1,550, was seized from the soldier's modified vehicle at the border checkpoint.

Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS commander Fauzi Yusuf said the Thai soldier, believed to be in his 50s, was arrested during an inspection at the ICQS complex. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has detained a Thai soldier at the Bukit Kayu Hitam border checkpoint on suspicion of attempting to smuggle petrol out of the country.

Berita Harian reported Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS commander Fauzi Yusuf as saying that the man, believed to be in his 50s, was arrested on Monday during an inspection at the immigration, customs, quarantine and security (ICQS) complex.

He said enforcement officers stopped a suspicious vehicle at about 10.45am at the exit lane of the complex.

“Checks revealed modifications to the rear and seating area of the vehicle, believed to have been used to conceal petrol for smuggling purposes.

“Further inspection uncovered 400 litres of petrol hidden in the vehicle, estimated to be worth about RM1,550,” he said in a statement.

Fauzi said the total value of other seized items, including a black Toyota Camry with Thai registration plates, was around RM6,550.

“The suspect and seized items were handed over to the domestic trade and cost of living ministry in Kubang Pasu for further action,” he said.

The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, which provides for the control, rationing, and regulation of essential goods and services to ensure public availability. - FMT