LABUAN: The Labuan Customs Department has seized 55 vehicles worth RM7.12mil in Sabah and Sarawak until Dec 29 this year.
Labuan Customs director Aspaila Ag Tuah said the seizures were made during operations targeting vehicle owners who violated conditions under Item 14 of the Customs Duties (Exemption) Order 2017.
"Throughout the operations, a total of 55 cases were recorded, with the overall value of the seizures, including tax, amounting to RM7,117,025.23," she said at a press conference here on Monday (Dec 29).
Aspaila said under the Order, vehicles purchased in duty-free islands such as Langkawi and Labuan can be brought into the Principal Customs Area (not duty-free islands) for up to 90 days in a calendar year.
"Investigations found that these vehicles were brought into the Principal Customs Area using exemption facilities but were not returned to the duty-free islands after the allowed period," she added.
Aspaila said that all the seized vehicles, which included luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Mini, were being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
She also urged the public to cooperate with Customs to combat smuggling, including of cigarettes, liquor, fireworks, drugs and vehicles.
"Smuggling leads to revenue loss for the country and threatens national security and public safety," she said.
Aspaila urged the public to report incidents of smuggling to the Customs toll-free line at 1-800 888 855 or the nearest Customs office, assuring that informants' identities would remain confidential. – Bernama
