Hat Yai Floods: Malaysian-Registered Vehicles to Undergo Checks To Curb Smuggling

Nearly 1,000 Malaysian vehicles stranded in flood-hit Hat Yai, Thailand, will undergo special inspections when brought home through the Bukit Kayu Hitam Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security complex. 

Authorities are taking extra precautions to prevent smuggling of drugs, contraband, or other prohibited items.

“Each vehicle will receive an inspection confirmation document signed by the on-duty AKPS officer or supervisor. We are aware that trafficking attempts tend to rise during the monsoon season, especially at key border entry points

As such, we will conduct thorough and detailed checks to ensure any attempt to smuggle illegal items is detected and stopped,” said Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS commander Senior Asst Comm Mohd Nasaruddin M.Nasir. 

Fifteen Malaysian tow trucks have been allowed into Thailand following negotiations by the Malaysian Consulate-General in Songkhla to recover the stranded vehicles. 

“Previously, Malaysian tow trucks were not allowed to enter Thailand, but in this situation, the consulate discussed with the Thai authorities to allow our trucks into Hat Yai,” said Thai insurance operator Ammar Wafiy Johari in a Bernama report.

He added that about 45 vehicles can be recovered per day, depending on their condition, and owners must provide road tax, insurance, and customs documents for release.

The Malaysia-Thailand Border Coordination Office has set up a designated gathering point along the new CIQ Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam route, as Thai authorities do not permit group activities within the CIQ Sadao compound. 

The location allows AKPS teams to conduct on-site inspections before vehicles enter Malaysia.