KANGAR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) detained a man for attempting to smuggle subsidised petrol after finding 81 litres of the fuel in two modified tanks inside his car on Friday.
The suspect, in his 20s, was detained during a raid at 9.27pm, after being observed frequently refuelling at petrol stations near the Malaysia-Thailand border in Wang Kelian and Padang Besar over the past few weeks.
Perlis KPDN director Hasbullah Abd Rashid said the arrest followed a two-week surveillance operation by the authorities.
"Checks found that the Proton Waja had two additional modified fuel tanks installed — one in the backseat and another in the car's boot, both filled with petrol," he said in a statement today.
He said the suspect had two prior records, allegedly linked to petrol smuggling activities.
"The suspect's modus operandi involved purchasing petrol in small quantities from various stations, filling the tanks and then transporting the fuel to areas near the Malaysia-Thailand border in Perlis, where it would be smuggled into Thailand using vehicles from across the border.
"In total, the 81 litres of subsidised petrol found in the tanks was valued at RM5,666.05," he added.
Hasbullah said the suspect was detained to assist in investigations and the Proton Waja was seized for further inspection under the Supply Control Act 1961.
"Investigations may also be conducted under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2011 (AMLATFPUAA) for any individuals committing offences under the Supply Control Act 1961," he added.