AKPS Seizes Three Trailers, Three Pickups, And Diesel Worth Over RM30,000 In Bukit Kayu Hitam

BUKIT KAYU HITAM, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) foiled an attempt to smuggle 10,200 litres of diesel, estimated to be worth RM30,600, at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) here this morning.

Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS Commander SAC Mohd Nasaruddin M Nasir said the seizure was made after inspections were carried out on three trailer trucks and three pickup trucks that were found to contain subsidised diesel in several modified tanks on all the vehicles for smuggling purposes.

The three trailers were detained at the heavy vehicle exit lane after passing the customs inspection on their way to Thailand at 8.45 am, while the three pickup trucks were detained earlier at 7.30 am at the Malaysian exit lane after passing the immigration inspection.

All vehicles were detained for further action under Section 6 of the Road Transport Act 1987. The total value of the seizure, including vehicles, amounted to RM380,600," he told reporters here today.

He said all the vehicle drivers involved, aged 40 to 60, were arrested for further action.

Mohd Nasaruddin said his team believes a syndicate is smuggling subsidised fuel out of the country, collecting it in neighbouring countries, and is suspected of selling it as far as Myanmar for higher profits.

“Perhaps diesel fuel is taken from gas stations in Malaysia and industrial storage facilities. Their modus operandi is varied, and this is one way they obtain the fuel," he said.

At the same press conference, Mohd Nasaruddin said the AKPS also issued 21 Notices of Refusal of Entry (NPM) against foreign nationals suspected of not being genuine tourists and not meeting the entry requirements as visitors under Section 8(3) of the Immigration Act 1969/63, yesterday and today.

He said all the foreign nationals comprised four Chinese male nationals, two Thai men and 13 Thai women, one Indian male national and a Pakistani man.

“All of them were ordered to return to their respective countries of origin via the same route. This entry refusal process was carried out according to standard operating procedures and departmental circulars in effect.

"No seizures were made and there were no criminal elements or enforcement investigations in this case," he added.

-- BERNAMA