KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department has investigated 31 cases relating to the attempted smuggling of imitation small arms into the country last year, with total seizures amounting to RM1.8mil.
Four of the cases – three in Sarawak and one at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport – involved the importation of fake firearms via Pos Malaysia services.
“All parcels sent to the Mail and Courier Centre will go through a scanning process before being sorted in the presence of both Customs and Pos Malaysia officers.
“If a parcel is found to contain prohibited items, it will be confiscated,” the department said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
It highlighted that the modus operandi for smuggling prohibited goods, including imitation firearms, often involves false, misleading or fraudulent declarations.
The department said it is committed to addressing firearms smuggling and is implementing proactive measures to prevent the entry of firearms without valid import permits.
The department is also participating in international operations related to the control of firearms at entryways into the country, such as the GS APSP II (Global Shield) and the Small Arms and Light Weapon, Asia Pacific Security Project.
In addition, the department is working with the police, Pos Malaysia International Hub and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd.
It added that several series of engagements have been held to ensure prohibited items such as drugs, wildlife and firearms are not imported or exported to or from Malaysia.
