PADANG TERAP: Two Thailand nationals suspected of attempting to smuggle 260 litres of subsidised petrol across the Malaysian-Thai border in Durian Burung here were detained by the authorities yesterday.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's state office director Muhammad Nizam Jamaluddin said the ministry received the case from the General Operations Force.
He said the two suspects were driving locally registered vehicles when they were detained at a roadblock near the Durian Burung Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex at 12pm yesterday.
"Inspection found that the two Proton Wira had modified tanks containing what is suspected to be petrol, estimated at 130 litres per vehicle," Nizam said in a statement today.
"Both drivers, a 21-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, were detained to assist in the investigation."
The petrol, valued at RM533, and the two vehicles, valued at RM8,000, were seized.
"The total value of the seizures is estimated to be RM8,533," added Nizam.
He said the Kuala Nerang Magistrate Court issued a four-day remand order for the suspects starting today.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961.
"This case may also be investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001," said Nizam.
He said all parties dealing with controlled and subsidised goods must comply with the enforced legislation.