By Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah

This border town, which was previously known for its nightlife, is now the transit point for stolen Malaysian semi-luxury cars entering the Thai market.

Sungai Golok police chief Col Tangnungsak Wangsupat said more than 10 Malaysian stolen cars had been seized since early this year.

"The cars were seized at several locations in the sub-province here for several offences, including entry without valid documents and being used in drug smuggling activities.

"Our investigations showed that the chassis number of the cars had been tampered with. The cars were stolen in Kelantan and brought here to be sold at lower prices."

Wangsupat said the cars were priced between RM80,000 and RM90,000, with the majority of buyers from the high-income group.

"The smugglers normally bring in the cars into Thailand via the legal checkpoints.

"Although they do not have valid documents, they can still get past enforcement officers on duty there as these types of cars are normally not checked.

"The cars will then be taken to workshops for modifications, including a new paint job as well as the removal of chassis and engine numbers, before being sold."