KANGAR: Cooperation between fuel station operators in Perlis and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) led to the arrest of a suspected petrol smuggler who had been sourcing subsidised fuel by visiting multiple stations.
Perlis KPDN branch director Hasbullah Abd Rashid said the ministry's enforcement team arrested the 29-year-old local man and seized 300 litres of RON95 petrol from a modified tank in the suspect's car yesterday, based on information from fuel station operators.
"The arrest followed a two-week surveillance after we received reports about the suspect refuelling at five to six stations daily around Kangar and Beseri," he said.
Checks revealed that the suspect's car had an additional fuel tank installed in the boot and under the rear passenger seat, which posed a risk of explosion and fire.
"We seized around 300 litres of RON95 petrol stored in the modified tank, which had a hose system to store the fuel," Hasbullah said during a press conference at the Perlis KPDN office.
He added that the suspect either stored the fuel in an illegal facility near the Malaysia-Thailand border or drove the car into Thailand, where the petrol was transferred or sold to shops or individuals.
The total value of the seizure, including the car, is estimated at RM8,930.
The case is being investigated under the Supply Control Act 1961.
If convicted, the suspect could face a fine of up to RM1 million, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
Repeat offenders may face fines of up to RM3 million or five years' imprisonment, or both.