KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — The Customs Department (JKDM) here seized 32 imported vehicles of various makes worth over RM8.45 million for breaching licensed warehouse conditions recently.
Kuala Lumpur Customs director Wan Norizan Wan Daud said the seizure was the result of a special operation, ‘Ops Purple’, conducted between July 29 and August 7 at two licensed warehouses in Setapak and Sungai Penchala, Damansara.
“Checks found that the warehouse operators had failed to comply with licensing conditions as stipulated under Section 65(2) and Section 65(5) of the Customs Act 1967. A total of 32 imported vehicles had been kept beyond the permitted 48-month period,” she said in a statement today.
She said the estimated value of the seized vehicles was RM3.08 million, while the total import duty and tax involved was estimated at RM5.38 million.
Investigations revealed that the modus operandi used was the abuse of duty exemption facilities provided under Section 4 of the Customs Act 1967.
“The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for storing or possessing uncustomed goods or prohibited imported goods.
“JKDM Kuala Lumpur will continue to strengthen enforcement measures to curb non-compliance and ensure the integrity of licensed warehouses is upheld,” she said.
Meanwhile, she said that from January to August 2025, JKDM Kuala Lumpur recorded 353 cases of various seizures worth a total of RM72.12 million, involving estimated duties and taxes amounting to RM31.61 million.
Of the total, the highest seizures involved alcoholic beverages worth RM11.48 million involving 77 cases, followed by imported steel without permits (10 cases) worth RM8.88 million, and cannabis flower (25 cases) worth RM8.67 million.
“A total of 159 cases involving seizures of white cigarettes and kretek worth RM6.71 million were also recorded, in addition to one case involving a drone without an import permit worth RM1.56 million, as well as 81 other cases involving various goods worth RM53.3 million,” she added.
Wan Norizan also urged the public not to be involved in smuggling activities, which not only cause national revenue losses but also threaten the safety and well-being of the people.
“The public is urged to provide information on smuggling activities by contacting the Customs Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office. The identity of informants will be kept confidential,” she said. — Bernama
