LABUAN: The Customs Department here seized 55 vehicles worth RM7.12mil following a series of enforcement operations in Sabah and Sarawak from January to 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 told a press conference here yesterday.
Aspaila said under Item 14, vehicles purchased in duty-free islands such as Langkawi and Labuan can only 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 the exemption facilities, but were not returned to the duty-free islands after the allowed period.”
Aspaila said the seizure of the vehicles, which included luxury brands, were being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
She urged the public to cooperate and report smuggling activities, including those involving cigarettes, liquor, fireworks and drugs, to the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office.
“Smuggling leads to revenue loss for the country and poses threats to national security and public safety,” she said.
