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New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Customs seizes RM1.64mil worth of smuggled scrap metal in Port Klang

KLANG: Over 272.6 tonnes of smuggled scrap metal worth RM1.64 million have been seized by the Customs Department. It also thwarted four other smuggling attempts involving illicit beer, electrical appliances, rice, and chewing tobacco, valued at an additional RM1.87 million. Customs Department assistant director general (enforcement) Raizam Setapa @ Mustafa said that a total of 14 shipping containers were detained last month at the West Port Free Zone. "Inspections revealed the contents were declared as copper alloy, alternators, used car parts, and aluminium flakes originating from the US, Europe, and Asia," she told reporters at Wisma Kastam, Pulau Indah, today. She said that scrap metal was subject to an import permit issued by Sirim, as it is prohibited under Schedule 4 of the Customs Order (Prohibition on Imports) 2023. "Our investigations found that the scrap metal was brought in by various importers without the necessary documentation. "We believe these importers intended to use the scrap metal for recycling activities," she added, adding that the shipments were initially flagged for further inspection to determine whether the contents were e-waste or scrap metal. Subsequent analysis confirmed that the shipments contained scrap metal, not e-waste. Meanwhile, Raizam said that 51,138 tins of illicit beer worth RM978,319 were seized on May 6 following an inspection of a container at North Port. "Checks showed the shipment came from a neighbouring country and was falsely declared as chairs. "We believe the beer was smuggled into Malaysia to be sold on the black market," she said. Raizam said that her officers foiled three other smuggling attempts in April involving rice worth RM304,640, chewing tobacco worth RM65,785, and washing machines and dryers worth RM521,400. "Inspections revealed these goods were smuggled via four shipping containers and falsely declared as foodstuffs, pan masala, and women's sandals to avoid detection," she said. All five cases are currently under investigation under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 for false declaration. If convicted, offenders may be fined not less than 10 times the value of the goods or RM100,000, whichever is greater, and not more than 20 times the value of the goods or RM500,000, whichever is greater, or be imprisoned for not less than six months and not more than five years, or both. Those with information on smuggling activities are urged to contact the Customs Department Hotline at 1800 88 8855 or visit the nearest Customs Department office. Informants' identities will be kept strictly confidential.