TUMPAT: More than 50 personnel from the General Operations Force (GOF) have been deployed at petrol stations in four districts in Kelantan as part of efforts to curb fuel leakages across the Thai-Malaysia border.
South-East Brigade GOF commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the deployment involves nine petrol stations identified as high-risk – four in Tumpat, two each in Tanah Merah and Pasir Mas, and one in Jeli.
According to him, deployed personnel will monitor fuel purchases and conduct inspections if suspicious activity is detected.
It is understood that 48 petrol stations within a 25km radius of the border are also being monitored by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Meanwhile, GOF personnel from Battalion 8 Pengkalan Chepa have also been stationed at petrol stations near border entry and exit points in Rantau Panjang to monitor vehicles, particularly foreign-registered ones.
A Bernama survey at two petrol stations near the Rantau Panjang border checkpoint in Pasir Mas found tightened control measures, with continuous monitoring by GOF personnel since yesterday.
Personnel were seen inspecting vehicles refuelling, including monitoring the type of fuel used and ensuring that no fuel was filled into additional containers or drums in violation of regulations.
In addition, foreign-registered vehicles are given special attention to ensure compliance with regulations that allow only RON97 petrol to be purchased, thereby preventing the misuse of subsidised fuel.
The situation at the petrol stations was observed to be under control, with users complying with the regulations, while the presence of GOF personnel also serves as a deterrent against any attempts at malpractice.
On April 11, police were deployed to more than 80 petrol stations near the border as an immediate measure to curb petrol and diesel smuggling following the current global energy crisis.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was reported to have instructed Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail to take further action, including arranging personnel deployment to monitor petrol stations near the border and to track and combat fuel smuggling activities.
