TUMPAT: Smugglers along border areas now prefer to smuggle Ron95 petrol after the government announced the rationalisation of diesel subsidies, said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Its minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali disclosed this new strategy was discovered by officers stationed at entry points in four states: Perlis, Perak, Kedah, and Kelantan.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the Kelantan-Thai border here today, Armizan said they detected the new tactics carried out by smugglers in the four states since early this year.
Reports from the ministry's officers at eight entry points highlighted issues related to diesel smuggling, including smugglers switching fuel from diesel to Ron95 and making multiple trips to petrol stations for subsidised fuel, he said.
"Based on the initial report from the placement of enforcement officers at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex (ICQS), one of the main issues identified is the increasing trend of smuggling RON95 petrol aside from the previous focus on diesel smuggling.
"It is believed that this change in smuggled goods occurs because syndicates involved are starting to shift strategies after the Government announced the rationalisation of diesel subsidies to be implemented soon.
"At the same time, it was found that the smuggling modus operandi used involves repeated purchases at petrol stations around border states," said Armizan.
He added that a majority of the smugglers had modified their vehicles and among the vehicles used were four-wheel-drive vehicles and sedan cars.
Armizan said this illegal smuggling business not only involved petty smugglers but also syndicates.
Following the issues detected by the ministry, he said the government had issued an immediate directive to operators of petrol stations in the border states.
"Beginning tomorrow, all petrol station operators were directed to make full reports on their sales to the car owners of the two types of vehicles.
"We hope they will give their co-operation and help the ministry track down the motorists who use modified 4WD vehicles and sedan cars to smuggle diesel and Ron95," he added.
Armizan said the ministry would also seek the assistance of the Road Transport Department in searching the car owners who have breached regulations by modifying their vehicles.