AFTER A wave of criticism on Malaysian social media blasting Thais for crossing the border to buy subsidised petrol in their country, the customs checkpoint at Betong in Yala is now strictly inspecting all vehicles to stop this flow of cheaper oil across the border, Naewna newspaper said this afternoon (Jan. 5).
This issue came under the spotlight in Malaysia after a video clip was posted on X by Malaysia Most Viral showing a Thai woman getting her sedan filled with subsidised benzene 95 at a petrol pump in Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia.
The caption said: “She stole subsidised oil from the people of Malaysia. But what I really don’t understand is why Petronas employees were helping fill up her tank.”
This triggered harsh criticism with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli too tagged.
This furor led to Ms. Piyachat Kulraksa, Betong customs checkpoint chief, ordering strict inspection of both Thai vehicles and those driven across the border by Malaysian tourists to prevent petrol smuggling as prices in Thailand are now much higher than Malaysia.
Vehicles are being searched for gallons filled petrol or an additional fuel tank attached.
While no smuggling suspects had been arrested so far, Piyachat said petrol is probably being surreptitiously carried across the border but this is not a high volume.
In Malaysia currently the price of benzene 95 is 2.1 ringgit a litre, or around 16 baht; benzene 97 3.4 ringgit a litre, or about 26 baht; and diesel 2 ringgit a litre, or 16 baht.
Meanwhile in Betong, benzene 95 costs 43.18 baht a litre; gasohol 95 35.29 baht a litre; and diesel 30.48 baht a litre.
CAPTION:
Strict inspection at Betong checkpoint with a Thai woman filling petrol at Betong inset. Photo: Naewna
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