MELAKA, July 27 — The Melaka branch of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department foiled an attempt to smuggle 5,069kg of shark fins estimated to be worth RM8.36 million, including duties and taxes, after seizing a container at Port Klang, Selangor, on July 2.
Its director Roslan Yusoff said the seizure involved 180 sacks containing shark fins believed to be imported from Guyana, South America, for the local market.
"An inspection by a team from the Melaka Customs Enforcement Division, along with the Narcotics Branch from the headquarters, conducted around noon found that the goods in the container were declared as fish skin, which is subject to a five per cent tax.
"However, a physical inspection found that the container actually contained 180 sacks filled with 5,069kg of shark fins, subject to a 10 per cent tax," he said during a media conference in Ayer Keroh today.
Roslan added that the shark fins also required inspection and approval from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) as well as the Malaysian Fisheries Department in accordance with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The value of the confiscated shark fins is estimated at RM7.6 million, while the total duties and taxes involved amounted to RM760,275.18, making the total seizure worth RM8.36 million.
Following the seizure, the container was confiscated while a man in his 50s, representing the shipping agent and responsible for managing the trade declaration documents, was detained to assist in the investigation.
The importing company located in Selangor has also been identified, but the company's director is being traced to assist with the investigation.
"Preliminary investigations found that the goods were not declared correctly to avoid MAQIS inspection as well as to evade actual tax payments," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 for importing uncustomed or prohibited goods.
Roslan said that the Customs Department will continue to strengthen enforcement to combat smuggling activities that not only cause revenue leakage for the country but can also threaten the safety and well-being of the people.
