MIDDLE EAST TENSION: MONITORING OF BORDER PETROL STATIONS INTENSIFIED

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Concerns over global oil supply disruptions following tensions in the Middle East have led to heightened monitoring of petrol stations near Malaysia’s borders to prevent fuel smuggling.

In Kelantan, 48 petrol stations along the Kelantan-Thailand border are under continuous surveillance by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to curb the suspected purchase of petrol and diesel for smuggling.

Kelantan KPDN deputy director Aswadi Jaafar said enforcement teams are monitoring the stations daily in two shifts, from 8 am to 6 pm.

He said half of these stations have been identified as hotspots as they are located within a 25-kilometre radius of the Malaysia–Thailand border.

“Areas such as Pengkalan Kubor, Rantau Panjang, and Bukit Bunga are the closest to the border and are frequently monitored due to the risk of them being used as fuel smuggling routes,” he told Bernama today.

Aswadi said in addition to monitoring, KPDN also conducts ongoing patrols, gathers intelligence, and runs special joint operations with other agencies to strengthen border control.

Intelligence gathering has also been strengthened to prevent suspicious activities at the monitored stations.

"This addresses concerns that border stations could be used for bulk or repeated fuel purchases for smuggling," he said

He added that the conflict in the Middle East has raised concerns regarding a possible surge in fuel demand in border regions.

“This situation could drive smuggling activities if not closely monitored, therefore, Kelantan KPDN will continue to tighten surveillance and take stern action against any party violating regulations,” he said.

Aswadi also urged petrol station operators to comply with regulations and to promptly notify authorities of any large or suspicious fuel purchases.

Meanwhile, a Bernama survey at the Pengkalan Kubor Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex today found two nearby petrol stations operating normally, with no unusual congestion.

During an hour-long observation at the location, vehicles stopping to refuel consisted of private cars, motorcycles, and several four-wheel-drive vehicles.

No suspicious activities or repeated refuelling within short intervals were observed.

In Perlis, a survey conducted at two petrol stations near the Padang Besar ICQS Complex found that fuel sales are being monitored using identity cards (ICs) to ensure only locals are permitted to purchase subsidised fuel.

To curb smuggling into the neighbouring country, both Perlis stations have prohibited refuelling with drums or additional containers.

As of this afternoon’s survey, no foreign-registered vehicles were seen refuelling repeatedly at the stations.

Maliah Mat Nayan, 48, a food vendor in the area, said she had not observed any suspicious activities involving foreign vehicles recently.

“Since the implementation of IC-based controls at petrol stations, things have been more orderly, and I rarely see foreign vehicles refuelling,” she told Bernama.

In Kedah, several frequent travellers across the Malaysia-Thailand border at Bukit Kayu Hitam said security controls at the entry point remain stable.

A civil servant known only as Ahmad, 44, noted that border users now face more thorough Customs checks.

"Now, they are being checked in detail, not just for cars, but also for motorcycles," he said.

-- BERNAMA