M'sia steps up checks at S'pore land crossings to curb smuggling of subsidised goods

Malaysia has tightened enforcement at land entry points with Singapore to ensure that subsidised goods intended for Malaysian residents are not purchased and brought back across the Causeway.

Concerns raised particularly with the ongoing Middle East conflict

According to local media outlet The Star, a Malaysia Home Ministry official said officers from the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) had begun conducting checks in recent days.

"We do not want people to smuggle subsidised packet cooking oil or other subsidised items such as sugar, flour and rice," the official said, adding that there were concerns that the ongoing Middle East conflict could prompt more Singaporeans to travel to Johor to stockpile such goods.

Authorities are also keeping a close watch on whether Singaporean motorists are crossing into Johor during off-peak hours — particularly after midnight — to fill up on petrol.

Officers will also be on the lookout for those found purchasing petrol in containers, the official added.

In a separate statement, AKPS said a screening operation involving 20 officers was conducted at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (BSI) complex on Mar. 26.

The checks, carried out at the complex's checking zone, follow a 2025 decision to strengthen enforcement and declaration procedures at both BSI and the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ at the Second Link.

"The main reason is to curb any form of smuggling and for people to adhere to the regulations set by the agencies," AKPS said.

Top photo from Getty Images