Diesel Smuggler Detained At Sg Tujoh Border
By M K Anwar

Bandar Seri Begawan - A local man was detained at the Sg Tujoh Control Post for allegedly trying to smuggle diesel fuel to Malaysia yesterday.

A Customs officer, who inspected the vehicle the man was driving, discovered an extra large tank on the back seat of his car. The car's back seat was removed to make room for the large aluminum tank.

With his car fully laden with flammable liquid, the man not only put his life in danger but also others.

Upon further inspection, the officer found another large tank in the boot of the car that was modified so that it can be refilled at petrol stations.

There was about 355 litres of diesel fuel in his car worth more than B$100. It is believed that he would have sold off the fuel as industrial diesel at B$0.60 per litre in Malaysia.

The man in his 30s was brought in for further questioning while his car was confiscated by the Customs.

This is the second case of fuel smuggling busted by the Customs Department.

Last week, another local man was detained after he was found to be smuggling regular petrol in his car in the Temburong District.

He was also believed to be smuggling the fuel to the neighbouring country.

These offences are punishable under the Customs Act.

The recent hike in diesel and petrol prices in Malaysia is believed to be `fuelling' such smuggling activities.

The cost of diesel fuel in Brunei is the lowest in the region, according to a recent report.

The increase in diesel price was a result of the Malaysian government's efforts to cut diesel fuel subsidies. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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