By Norzamira Che Noh
PORT KLANG: The Customs Department seized 1,960 tonnes of scrap metal worth RM9.17 million from 83 containers in the Port Klang Free Zone during operations in May and June.
Selangor Customs director Mohamad Azhar Ahmad Paharazi said the scrap metal was seized following cooperation between the department's Enforcement Division and the National Targeting Centre (NTC).
"Serial inspections and confiscations of the 83 containers revealed that they contained scrap metal weighing an estimated 1,964,234kg, believed to have been brought in without an import permit.
"The importation of scrap metal is subject to an Import Permit issued by Sirim Bhd as stipulated under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023," he said at a press conference at Wisma Kastam in Pulau Indah.
Azhar said the syndicate also made false declarations by declaring the goods as aluminium alloy, aluminium materials, computer components, precious metals and unprocessed aluminium.
"Preliminary investigations show the metals were imported from several countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia. Further investigations are ongoing under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967," he said.
In a separate case, a total of 240 sacks containing 12 tonnes of tin ore worth an estimated RM1.92 million were seized through inspections of two lorries carrying loads of five and seven tonnes in front of a factory in Pulau Indah, Port Klang, on July 3.
Azhar said further checks found that the lorry drivers submitted a suspected fake Customs Form 1, with a declaration date stated for August 2025.
"The seized tin ore amounts to 240 sacks with an estimated value of RM1.92 million.
"We are still investigating the source and intended destination of this tin ore as well as its intended purpose.
"The case is being investigated under Section 133(1)(c) of the Customs Act 1967," he said.
Source : scrap-metal-worth-rm917mil-americas-europe-asia-seized-port-klang