14 Reconditioned Cars Worth Over RM3.34 Million Seized In Selangor

KLANG, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) seized 14 imported vehicles of various makes worth RM3.34 million during an operation at a vehicle storage warehouse in Shah Alam last month (Sept 9).

Selangor JKDM 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 told a press conference at the North Port JKDM Headquarters today.

Mohamad Azhar said 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,” he added.

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, Mohamad Azhar said the department also seized 1,314 litres of liquor worth RM268,189, including taxes, at the West Port Free Zone on Oct 6 for not having an import permit.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment was believed to have been brought into Port Klang from a European country on Sept 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, he said

-- BERNAMA