Malaysia man arrested for using multiple MyKad cards to hoard RON95 petrol
A man in Kelantan, Malaysia, was arrested for using four MyKad cards to purchase over 100 litres of subsidised petrol. Police said he is being investigated for misuse of identity documents.
- A man in Kelantan, Malaysia, was arrested for allegedly using four MyKad cards to buy subsidised petrol.
- Police said he purchased over 100 litres of RON95 using identity cards belonging to different individuals.
- Authorities are investigating under identity misuse laws and reviewing further legal action.
MALAYSIA: A man has been arrested in Kelantan, Malaysia, after allegedly misusing multiple identity cards to obtain large quantities of subsidised RON95 petrol at a petrol station in Tumpat.
The arrest took place on 1 April when police officers conducting checks at the station identified suspicious activity involving the suspect, who was in the process of refuelling his vehicle.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said officers detained the man at the scene and carried out further inspection, leading to the discovery of several identity cards believed to have been used in the transactions.
Use of multiple identity cards to obtain subsidised fuel
Police investigations revealed that the suspect was in possession of four Malaysian Identity Cards (MyKad), each registered under different individuals, raising concerns over misuse of official identification documents.
Authorities believe the suspect used these cards to repeatedly purchase subsidised petrol, allowing him to exceed the limits typically imposed under Malaysia’s fuel subsidy system.
According to police, the total amount of petrol obtained exceeded 100 litres, suggesting a deliberate attempt to exploit the system for personal gain or potential resale.
The case has since been referred to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), which is responsible for monitoring and enforcing regulations related to subsidised goods.
Investigation and possible legal consequences
The suspect is currently being investigated under the National Registration Act 1959 for the misuse of identity documents, an offence that may carry legal penalties if proven in court.
Datuk Mohd Yusoff said police are also examining other applicable laws, indicating that additional charges may be brought depending on the outcome of the investigation.
He did not provide further details on whether the suspect was acting alone or if others were involved in supplying the identity cards or facilitating the activity.
Authorities have emphasised that enforcement efforts will continue to prevent abuse of government subsidies and ensure that such benefits are not misused.
No detected cases of cross-border fuel smuggling
During a media briefing, police were also asked about the possibility of cross-border fuel smuggling activities involving Malaysia and Thailand.
Datuk Mohd Yusoff stated that, to date, authorities have not detected any cases involving Malaysians attempting to smuggle diesel into Kelantan through illegal routes.
This comes amid ongoing discussions about fuel price differences between the two countries, particularly after Malaysia’s subsidy rationalisation measures.
Reports indicate that diesel prices in Thailand are currently lower than Malaysia’s market rates, which could create incentives for illegal activities, although no such cases have been linked to this incident.
Ongoing monitoring and enforcement
Police reiterated that investigations are ongoing and urged the public not to engage in similar activities involving misuse of identity documents or subsidised goods.
Authorities said they will continue working with relevant agencies to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in managing subsidy systems and preventing exploitation through fraudulent means.
