KOTA BHARU, Aug 6 — The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in Kelantan has detected syndicates smuggling petrol and diesel across the Malaysia-Thailand border using the ‘ant army’ tactic, whereby fuel is transported in small quantities repeatedly to avoid detection by the authorities.
State KPDN director Hanif Yusabra Yusof said the syndicates had resorted to the tactic following intensified enforcement through the integrated Op Tiris 4.0 and joint operations involving multiple agencies. However, smuggling attempts persist due to demand for subsidised fuel and the price difference between Malaysia and the neighbouring country.
He said that to date, state KPDN had recorded 318 cases involving the smuggling and misappropriation of controlled goods, with 135 individuals arrested and 193 vehicles seized, with a total value of RM1.875 million.
“The value of seized controlled goods amounted to RM552,000, including 24,446 litres of petrol worth RM63,500 and 48,500 litres of diesel worth RM218,000. All cases are currently at various stages of investigation under the Control of Supplies Act 1961,” he told Bernama recently.
Hanif Yusabra said among the identified smuggling hotspots were Rantau Panjang in Pasir Mas, Pengkalan Kubor in Tumpat and several routes near Sungai Golok due to their proximity to the border and the existence of numerous illegal crossing routes.
He said that besides using ‘ant army’, the syndicates also modified vehicle fuel tanks, installed additional tanks in multi-purpose vehicles, collected fuel in stages from several petrol stations before transferring it into drums, and transported it through illegal routes.
“They also frequently change the timing and locations of their movements to avoid detection.
He said Op Tiris had yielded positive results, with cooperation between KPDN, the police, the General Operations Force (GOF), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), and other relevant agencies improving the detection and seizure rate while also serving as a deterrent to smuggling syndicates.
Commenting on allegations that petrol station operators or companies were involved in smuggling activities, Hanif Yusabra said KPDN did not rule out the possibility, but stressed that every allegation would be thoroughly investigated based on intelligence, evidence and credible facts.
“If there is evidence of any breach of the law, firm action will be taken without compromise against any party involved.
He said the main challenges faced by KPDN included the vast border area, the existence of numerous illegal crossing routes, the constantly evolving tactics employed by smuggling syndicates, and the lucrative profits generated from the illegal trade.
In this regard, he said KPDN would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance intelligence-led operations, expand strategic cooperation with enforcement agencies, and intensify monitoring of the subsidised fuel distribution chain with the support of technology, including the use of drones and smart surveillance systems.
