PETALING JAYA: All containers arriving into or going out of Port Klang are required to undergo a machine-scanning process, says the Customs Department.
It said procedures were tightened starting Nov 15, 2023, requiring 100% of containers to be scanned, after two instances where drug-smuggling to Australia were detected in April and October that year.
It added that scanning machines are placed at every container traffic route.
Customs said physical inspection is carried out on containers suspected of carrying forbidden items if scans do not match the goods declared.
"As an agency responsible to curb smuggling activities and safeguard the country's image, Customs has tightened controls and ensured compliance with the law," it said.
"From Jan 1, 2025, the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) took over responsibility as the inspection and control agency for goods brought in and out of Malaysia.
"However, in the interim period, Customs is carrying out inspections until the AKPS is fully operational," it said.
Customs was responding to reports that over 40,600 containers landed in the country daily, but port operators' records only showed 30,000 containers were handled a day.
"Not all the containers landed are scanned and released the same day, as only about 5,000 containers are scanned daily for release.
"Many containers in transhipment are stored in the container yard, waiting to be processed by importers," it said in a statement on Friday (March 14).
Customs also said that based on 2024 statistics, it scanned 1,420,845 imported containers at West Port, including those containing e-waste.
"This statistic shows that Customs can scan 100% of all containers imported through West Port," read the statement.
On imported e-waste, Customs said this is only allowed with written permission from the Environment Department director-general.
It said any containers that contain e-waste (without permits) are handed over to the Environment Department.
It said from August 2024 to February 2025, Customs carried out an operation and found 348 containers containing e-waste out of 389 inspected.
Another 26 containers with e-waste were also detected in Penang port from January 2024 to February 2025.
All seized containers were handed over to the Environment Department and sent back to the country of origin, with the importer bearing all costs.
Customs also urged the public to help in the war against crime and those with information on smuggling activities to contact its toll-free number at 1-800 888 855 or visit the nearest Customs office in their state, assuring that the identities of all informants would be protected.
