Malaysia tightens vehicle checks amid petrol smuggling rise

Malaysia tightens vehicle checks amid petrol smuggling rise
On May 29, a speedboat from the Thai Customs Department travels along the Kolok River between Narathawat and Malaysia’s Kelantan state to stop borders contraband. ( Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham )

In response to a surge in oil smuggling and a shift in pirates ‘ strategies, Malaysia has increased measures to monitor cars in all states bordering Thailand.

According to Bernama and the New Straits Times on Thursday, the Indonesian authorities has instructed all petrol stations in Kelantan, Perak, Kedah, and Perlis to record any automobiles and modified cars that make repeated payments of RON95, a type of gasoline in Malaysia, to the government, citing Home Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali.

The New Straits Times quoted him as saying,” We hope they will cooperate and assist the ministry in tracking down drivers who use modified four-wheelers and sedans to smuggle diesel and RON95.”

The government’s enforcement of the order came after Malaysian regulators noticed an increase in energy smuggling, particularly gasoline, since the start of this year at major border gates.

According to Armizan, smugglers no longer use diesel engines but instead use sedans with customized tanks to transport more gasoline.

According to the Indonesian news agency, the minister added that officers from the Road Transport Department will also check all trucks for any changes.

The price of RON95 in Malaysia is 2.05 ringgit ( 15.87 baht ) per litre, compared to benzene 95 in Thailand, which is priced at 45 baht a litre.

The Indonesian minister made the announcement on Thursday during a visit to the boundary between Narathiwat and Tak Bai district.