A 26-year-old man believed to be working as a diesel ‘transporter’ has been arrested in Kampung Kubang Bemban while attempting to deliver fuel to an illegal jetty.
The suspect was detained at around 9.45am on Wednesday while driving a Ford Trader lorry fitted with a modified tank carrying approximately 320 litres of diesel. Authorities said the vehicle was stopped during an integrated Ops Tiris operation conducted by the General Operations Force (PGA) and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
According to Southeast Brigade PGA Commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain, the lorry was flagged down after being spotted moving in a suspicious manner. Checks later revealed the presence of an additional modified tank used to transport the fuel.
Initial investigations found that the suspect admitted to being involved in diesel smuggling activities to Thailand via an illegal jetty in Waji, Nibong. He was reportedly paid RM60 for each delivery made to the location before the fuel was smuggled across the border.
Authorities estimated the total value of the seizure, including the lorry, modified tank and diesel, at RM84,766. Such cases highlight ongoing enforcement challenges along border areas, where fuel smuggling remains a persistent issue.
In a separate operation on the same day, PGA personnel also seized 10 jerrycans containing 180 litres of petrol left near a pillar of the Pulau Ular Bridge in Tumpat at around 5am.
The petrol, valued at RM696, is believed to have been intended for smuggling into Thailand through illegal routes. All items were taken to the PGA tactical base in Pengkalan Kubor for documentation.
Both cases are currently being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
