Not so slick: Enforcement officers inspecting the seized lorry which was modified with a concealed auxiliary tank beneath the vehicle.
KUALA LUMPUR: Some RM90,000 worth of diesel was seized after a joint operation between the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle subsidised diesel across the northern border of the country.
The operation took place at around 8am on Monday at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex in Kedah.
“The perpetrators had modified a pole trailer lorry in an effort to evade detection.
“A thorough inspection by enforcement officers uncovered a concealed auxiliary tank installed beneath the vehicle, containing approximately 3,500 litres of subsidised diesel,” AKPS said in a statement.
The lorry has been confiscated for further investigation under Section 6 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for vehicle modification offences and Section 64(1) of the same Act, which permits the seizure of the vehicle.
“The seizure underscores its unwavering commitment to safeguarding national borders against all forms of illicit activity.
“Firm action will be taken against any party attempting to deceive enforcement agencies for illegal profit,” AKPS said.
On a separate matter, the agency said it is conducting an investigation into allegations of “phantom travel” syndicate activities at the KL International Airport.
“We are looking into the involvement of officers who are in cahoots with a syndicate that uses the modus operandi of not recording the movements of visitors entering the country at the entry points and charging a certain fee to enable travellers, especially civil servants, to avoid their movements being tracked by their employers.
“We will not compromise and protect any officer that breaches integrity and tarnishes the good name and image of the department.
“Action and punishment will be taken based on existing legal provisions, including dismissal, if the officer who committed the offence is proven guilty,” the agency said.
Recently, a local media portal revealed the existence of a phantom travel syndicate at KLIA, which allegedly involves government employees who fly abroad without their travel details being shown in immigration records.
According to the portal’s report, the method involves “counter setting”, where travellers go through immigration formalities at a special counter manned by conspiring officers.
