Perak Customs Department raid uncovers 39 untaxed motorcycles in Penang

Perak Customs Department director Datuk Abdul Ghafar Mohamad (left) showing the motorcycles seized from a tyre shop in Penang.

IPOH: The Perak Customs Department raided a tyre shop in Penang and discovered 39 units of motorcycles and liquor, believed to be untaxed.

Its director, Datuk Abdul Ghafar Mohamad, said the raid was carried out on May 13 at about 3.30pm in Nibong Tebal, Penang.

He said checks found 39 motorcycles, without customs approval stamps, from China worth over RM1mil.

“Officers also discovered 1325 litres of untaxed liquor worth RM356,383.50.

“The 30-year-old owner of the premises has been arrested for questioning,” he told a press conference at the department’s enforcement complex here on Wednesday (May 29).

Abdul Ghafar added that initial investigations revealed the individual does not have an import permit for the motorcycles.

Abdul Ghafar said the case was being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for untaxed goods and under Section 32 (1) of the Excise Act 1976 for selling liquor without a license.

“We also found out that the motorcycles have been kept at the premises for the past three years,” he said.

When asked why the department in Perak raided the Penang premises, Abdul Ghafar said the department did not have a rule of border jurisdiction.

“If someone feels comfortable lodging a report with the department in another state, they can do so, and we will take the necessary action,” he added.