KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 — The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has seized 16 luxury vehicles and 1.2 million sticks of contraband cigarettes worth over RM4.5 million in two raids in the Federal capital and in Pahang recently.
Central Zone Customs assistant director-general Norlela Ismail said the luxury cars, including Audi and Mercedes-Benz models, were seized in a raid on a licensed warehouse in Jalan Pahang, Setapak, on June 24.
“We believe these cars have been stored beyond the permitted 48-month storage period and the importer is suspected of failing to declare the vehicles, which have unpaid taxes, to Customs,” she said during a press conference today.
The total value of the seized vehicles was estimated at RM1.2 million, with taxes and import duties of around RM2.35 million.
Norlela said the imported vehicles’ taxes should be settled within four years of their arrival at the port, but some parties failed to do so and continued to store them in licensed warehouses.
In a separate case, Customs successfully thwarted the distribution of contraband cigarettes during a July 13 raid on a terrace house in Taman Shahzan, Kuantan, Pahang.
“These cigarettes are believed to have been brought in from a neighbouring country through illegal routes,” she said, adding that the seized items, including taxes, were valued at RM970,000.
The investigations into these cases were carried out under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967.
Norlela also called on the public to assist the department in combating smuggling crimes, particularly those involving cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs, and vehicles, and advised against engaging in such activities.
“Smuggling not only leads to revenue loss for the country but also poses a threat to national security and the well-being of the people,” she said.
— Bernama
