KANGAR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry thwarted an attempt to smuggle subsidised petrol after detaining a man found with 250 litres of fuel stored in two modified tanks within his car on Thursday.
The suspect, in his 50s, was detained around 5pm after authorities observed him repeatedly refueling at various petrol stations across the state over the past few weeks.
Perlis Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Hasbullah Abd Rashid said the suspect was caught in the act of refueling his vehicle.
"Initial checks found the car had two additional modified tanks filled with petrol. We also discovered two jerry cans inside the vehicle.
"We believed the suspect employed a method of refueling at multiple petrol stations across the state before diverting the fuel," he said in a statement today.
Hasbullah said the total seizure, including the subsidised petrol and two jerry cans, is estimated to be worth RM5,032.50.
The suspect was detained while the vehicle, registered in Malaysia, was seized to assist the investigation under the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122).
He said further investigations may also be conducted under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.