GOF uncovers 'mini petrol station' selling seized auctioned fuel

KOTA BARU: The Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) discovered a mini fuel pump inside a storage facility near Kampung Kubang Jong in Pasir Mas, suspected to be linked to a syndicate smuggling petrol into Thailand.

The company, based at a district bordering with Thailand, was found to be reselling the petrol to operators along the Golok river.

Its modus operandi was detected by the GOF in Pasir Mas last Saturday.

GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said GOF went a store in Kampung Kubang Jong following public tip-offs on smuggling activities.

"The GOF personnel found a lorry and three big oil tanks containing 5,700 litres of petrol.

"Two men, aged 30 and 34, were arrested," he said.

He said initial investigation showed that the store has turned into 'mini petrol station' by smugglers since the last few years.

"After buying the petrol from the company, they will then placed it into the tanks where smugglers will bring their cars and filled them up with petrol.

"From the store, the smugglers then will sent the oil across the border," he added.

Meanwhile, state Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Azman Ismail said it would investigate the case including the fuel trading company.

"We will not hesitate to revoke its licence if the operator is found guilty.

"He can also be fined of up to RM1 million for violating licence's condition," he added.

It is learnt that the company has been given a licence to buy the auctioned fuel.

The fuel was auctioned by the ministry after they were seized by various border enforcement agencies.

Related Articles