Earlier this week on October 7, 2008, Muhammad Ali Putra Bin Hairom was trying to leave Singapore via the Woodlands Checkpoint when it was discovered that the 24-year-old Singaporean's car had a tampered fuel gauge.

Although his vehicle's gauge showed that he had a full tank, the actual amount of fuel was only at the one-quarter mark.

Investigations by Singapore customs offices revealed that Muhammad Ali Putra had used a remote control to change the fuel gauge reading. He also admitted that he was aware of the three-quarter tank rule.

He was charged in court the following say and pleaded guilty to one charge of not having the minimum amount of motor spirit in his fuel tank and one charge of giving false information to an officer inspecting his fuel gauge.

For the two charges, he was sentenced to $500 fine or in default one week's jail, and two weeks' imprisonment respectively.

Tampering with the fuel gauge of the vehicle so that it gives a false reading that the amount of fuel in the fuel tank is three-quarters full is a serious offence. It shows a deliberate intent to cheat the authorities.

This year, Muhammad Ali Putra was the third person convicted for the offence and also the third consecutive case over the past three months.

Under the law, Singapore-registered cars must have at least three-quarter tank of petrol when departing Singapore.

Motorists are advised against any attempts to infringe the rule given the stringent checks at the checkpoints. Those caught with less than three-quarter tank of petrol can be fined up to $500.