A Thai woman attempted to smuggle 51kg of subsidized cooking oil concealed in her car’s spare tire storage compartment back to Thailand, but was exposed and intercepted by officials.
Kelantan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Department Deputy Director Aswadi stated in a release on Tuesday (31st) that the 40-year-old woman was discovered by enforcement personnel on Sunday afternoon at 2:15 pm at the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Centre (ICQS).
He said that during an inspection of the suspect’s Thai-registered car, officers found 51kg of subsidized cooking oil of various brands hidden inside. Together with the vehicle, the total value of the confiscated items was RM15,127.50.
He revealed that, to his surprise, all the oil was neatly concealed underneath the lining board of the car trunk’s spare tire compartment. It is believed this was done to evade border inspection and escape the attention of the authorities.
“The woman has been detained to assist with the investigation, and all controlled items have been confiscated.”
He said that the authorities would carry out further investigations, including tracking the supply source of the subsidized cooking oil, and whether there was a local supply network involved.
“We will take uncompromising and severe action against any parties involved in collusion or abuse of subsidies, including wholesalers and retailers.”
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961, read together with Regulation 3(1) of the Supply Control Regulations 1974 and the Supply Control (Export Prohibition) Regulations 2022.
It is understood that the Thai woman holds a border pass.