KLANG, Oct 28 — The Royal Malaysian Customs Department seized 14 imported vehicles of various makes worth RM3.34 million during an operation at a vehicle storage warehouse in Shah Alam on September 9.
State director Mohamad Azhar Ahmad Paharazi said further inspection revealed that the warehouse’s operating licence had expired, leading to the seizure of both the premises and the vehicles stored there.
"The seized vehicles include a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Mercedes-Benz S680 Maybach, Mercedes-Benz GLA35, Lexus RX300, and Toyota Harrier.
“These are reconditioned vehicles believed to have been imported from Asia and Europe, with an estimated total value of RM1.34 million and unpaid taxes exceeding RM2 million,” he said during a press conference at the North Port Customs headquarters today.
Investigations showed that the warehouse had been operating with an expired licence for the past five months.
“Vehicle warehouses are usually granted an operational licence valid for up to 48 months,” Azhar said.
The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for knowingly protecting, storing, or concealing goods that are non-compliant or prohibited under customs regulations.
In another case, he said the department also seized 1,314 litres of liquor, valued at RM268,189, including taxes, at the West Port Free Zone on October 6 for not having an import permit.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment was believed to have been brought into Port Klang from a European country on September 14.
Both cases are being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) and (d) of the Customs Act 1967, which provides a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine of up to 20 times the value of the goods or RM500,000, whichever is higher, or both, if convicted.
