Customs Seizes 32 Imported Cars Worth RM8.45 Million

Kuala Lumpur Customs has seized 32 imported cars worth more than RM8.45 million after finding they were stored in licensed warehouses longer than allowed.

State Customs director Wan Norizan Wan Daud said the discovery was made during “Ops Purple,” a targeted operation carried out between July 29 and August 7 at two warehouses in Setapak and Sungai Penchala.

“Our checks revealed that these vehicles were kept past the 48-month storage limit set under the Customs Act 1967,” she said, adding that the cars alone are valued at RM3.08 million, while unpaid duties and taxes are estimated at RM5.38 million.

Officers believe the case involves misuse of duty exemption facilities, and it is now being probed under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act, which covers possession of uncustomed or prohibited goods.

Wan Norizan said enforcement will be tightened to ensure warehouse operators follow the rules.

From January to August this year, Kuala Lumpur Customs has recorded 353 seizure cases worth RM72.12 million, involving duties and taxes of RM31.61 million. 

Alcohol topped the list with RM11.48 million seized across 77 cases, followed by imported steel without permits (RM8.88 million), cannabis flower (RM8.67 million), and illegal cigarettes (RM6.71 million).

One unusual bust involved a drone worth RM1.56 million brought in without an import permit.

Wan Norizan reminded the public that smuggling costs the country millions and puts public safety at risk. 

“If you know of any smuggling activities, report it to us. Your identity will be kept confidential,” she said, urging tip-offs via the Customs hotline at 1-800-88-8855.