Customs Dept seizes over 40 luxury vehicles worth more than RM11mil

KLANG: The Customs Department has seized more than 41 luxury and exotic vehicles and nine high-powered motorcycles worth over RM11mil.

The vehicles were brought into the country without valid import documents.

Custom Department Central Zone assistant director-general Mohammad Sabri Saad said the vehicles were seized following a special operation conducted between Aug 15 and Aug 30.

"We conducted Ops Bearing to detect vehicles being brought into the country without valid import documents.

"Among the vehicles seized were a Ford GT40, a classic Ford Mustang, a Mazda RX7, a Volkswagen Kombi, a Mini Cooper Clubman, a Toyota Harrier and a Toyota Vellfire," he told reporters at Wisma Kastam at Pulau Indah on Monday (Aug 29).

Mohammad Sabri said nine high-powered motorcycles including Harley Davidson, Honda CB1100 and KTM Adventure 1290 were also seized.

He said the vehicles were brought in from countries including Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom.

"Based on our investigations, some of these vehicles were brought in by students.

"They might not have been aware that they need to have an approved permit in hand before bringing the vehicles in," he said, adding that ignorance of the law was no excuse to be let off the hook.

He said the vehicles seized were worth at least RM4.24mil with RM7.12mil in unpaid duties.

"We have opened investigations under Section 135 of the Customs Act 1967 for attempting to import prohibited items.

"We urge anyone with information on smuggling activities to come forward immediately.

"Identities of our informants will be kept strictly confidential," he said, adding that those with information can contact the Customs toll free hotline at 1800 88 8855.