TANAH MERAH – The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry yesterday busted an attempt to smuggle petrol across the border, in an operation at a remote refuelling station here.
The ministry’s Tanah Merah chief enforcement officer, Ahmad Azizi Abdul Kadir, said the operation was launched following intelligence work conducted on the petrol station in Kg Estate Kerrilla after receiving a public tip-off.
“The petrol station would usually operate until 8pm, but it closed at 7.30pm… our team was observing the station, and spotted a four-wheel drive and a van being driven in a suspicious manner.
“The team then raided the petrol station and arrested a 29-year-old suspect. Another suspect fled upon realising our presence there,” he told a press conference here today.
Checks of the two vehicles found 80 plastic containers filled with petrol destined for a neighbouring country.
“We seized 195l of petrol worth RM8,370. The petrol station owner, believed to be involved in the smuggling bid, was questioned.
“The case will be investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.” – Bernama, January 25, 2021
