ALOR STAR: Two motorhomes linked with GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) were allegedly driven to the Bukit Kayu Hitam border checkpoint yesterday to renew their International Circulation Permit (ICP).
The Immigration Department said the vehicles were exiting Malaysia via the Bukit Kayu Hitam border checkpoint around 3pm yesterday, and were stopped at a location near the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) complex there.
"Enforcement teams acted immediately upon receiving the information, conducting an investigation and locating two motorhomes carrying five individuals.
"Initial checks found that all five are Malaysians, aged between 29 and 45. Records showed their last overseas trip was on August 20, through the same border checkpoint," the statement said.
Although no immigration laws were breached, the department stated it would collaborate closely with the police, as the authorities were still carrying out further investigations on the company.
According to the statement, the motorhomes had been brought to the border to allegedly renew their ICP, which was nearing expiry.
"According to Road Transport Department (RTD) regulations, every vehicle must be physically present for inspection.
"RTD checks have confirmed that the vehicles' chassis and engine numbers were in order, and the ICP renewal, valid for three months, could only be processed at the RTD border office," it said.
Further checks found that the vehicles, bearing Dubai registration plates, were registered under an individual in Qatar and were not owned by GISB.
The vehicles' value is estimated at RM700,000 each.
"Each motorhome can accommodate between six and eight people. After completing RTD procedures, the vehicles were expected to head to GISB Darul Aman in Jitra for an overnight stay," the statement added.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the son of a GISB leader was among five individuals arrested at the Bukit Kayu Hitam border checkpoint yesterday evening.
The five men, travelling in two vehicles bearing the GISBH logo, were intercepted by border security as they attempted to enter Thailand.