In a bold and decisive operation, the Selangor Customs Department, part of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), has once again emerged as a formidable force against smuggling. With its latest high-stakes interception, the department has reinforced its reputation as a game-changer in the ongoing battle to curb illegal trade and protect Malaysia’s borders.
The department has recently thwarted a major smuggling attempt involving 1,964 tonnes of scrap metal valued at RM9.17 million. A total of 83 containers were seized within the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ). The operation has been going on for over two months since May in coordination with the National Targeting Centre (NTC).
According to Selangor Customs director Mohamad Azhar Ahmad Paharazi, out of the goods, most of them were aluminium alloy, aluminium materials, raw aluminium, computer components and precious metals in the Manifest and Customs Form 1
“The importation of scrap metal is subject to import permits issued by the Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) under Item 5, Part 1, Fourth Schedule, Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023,” added Mohamad Azhar Ahmad Paharazi.
He stated that preliminary investigations found the scrap metal had been imported without the necessary permits from various countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and was believed to be intended for domestic use. In a separate case, Mohamad Azhar reported that Selangor Customs also confiscated 221.7 tonnes of steel coils valued at RM1.29 million.
The seizure involved eight 20-foot containers at PKFZ, which had arrived at Port Klang on June 4. The goods were falsely declared as furniture and mattresses in Customs Form 1. Mohamad Azhar added that the department also intercepted smuggling attempts involving various other goods valued at RM4.37 million, including duties and taxes. These seizures took place at the West Port and North Port Free Zones between May and early July.
“Checks revealed the cargo to be Prime Pre-Painted Steel Coils, believed to have been imported without permits for industrial use in the country and subject to anti-dumping duties of 52.1 per cent in accordance with the Customs (Anti-Dumping Duty) (Administrative Review) (No. 2) Order 2021. A total of 62 coils were seized with an estimated value of RM769,434, while duties and taxes amounted to RM516,290. The case is still under investigation,” he commented.
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