Kelantan’s domestic trade ministry recorded 269 enforcement actions, seizing RM618,300 in goods and vehicles, with 46 arrests made for smuggling controlled items
KELANTAN: The state branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has recorded 269 enforcement actions involving various offences. The total seizure value stands at RM618,300, which includes 46 arrests and the confiscation of 75 vehicles believed to be used in smuggling activities.
Deputy director Aswadi Jaafar said 133 cases involved offences under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. The seized goods in these cases were valued at RM126,403, while the estimated value of the confiscated vehicles was RM451,500.
The cases were detected through integrated operations and continuous intelligence work. KPDN enforcement officers conducted these operations in several border districts and along main routes in the state.
Fuel smuggling was a primary focus, with a specific modus operandi identified. Offenders were found illegally transferring petrol or diesel into vehicles using additional tanks or through repeated purchases.
The fuel was then taken to transit locations near the border for collection and smuggling into neighbouring countries. “Investigations found that most of the detained individuals were moving people using modified private cars to increase fuel storage capacity,” Aswadi told reporters.
He was speaking after the launch of the state-level Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme for Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2026. The vehicles used were mostly sedans like the Proton Saga, Wira, and Iswara models.
These cars had been modified by enlarging the fuel tank or adding extra tanks in the trunk or under the rear seat. Monitoring and enforcement operations will continue throughout the festive season, including during the Aidilfitri holidays.
These efforts will involve patrols, undercover operations, and intelligence gathering. KPDN is also collaborating with several other agencies to strengthen enforcement actions.
Partner agencies include the Royal Malaysia Police, General Operations Force, Marine Police Force, Customs Department, and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency. The public is encouraged to provide information related to the diversion or smuggling of controlled goods.
They can contact authorities via WhatsApp at 019-8488000 or the hotline numbers 09-17416000 and 03-88827088. This will assist the authorities in taking immediate action.
Aswadi added that the Kelantan KPDN, with 140 enforcement officers and 84 price monitoring officers, will conduct statewide monitoring during the SHMMP implementation. This is to ensure traders comply with set maximum prices and display price tags according to regulations.
