PORT KLANG: The Customs Department has crippled an electronic waste (e-waste) smuggling syndicate with the seizure of eight containers valued at an estimated RM2.15mil in a raid at North Port on Feb 3.
Its Pahang director, Mohd Asri Seman, said the operation was carried out following intelligence gathered by the department’s Bentong Enforcement Division in collaboration with the Selangor Department of Environment.
He said the eight 40-foot containers, imported from Canada (five containers), Spain (two) and Croatia (one), were seized at the CP-Hold Yard at North Port.
"The seizure involved about 186,737 kilogrammes of e-waste, with an estimated value of RM2,152,476. The shipment is believed to have been imported without a permit and falsely declared in the customs documentation," he said.
"The importation of e-waste is categorised as a conditionally prohibited activity and is only allowed under Item 54, Part I of the Third Schedule of the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2023, which requires prior approval from the Director-General of Environment. This case is still under investigation," he said at a press conference at the CT1 Warehouse, North Port, on Thursday (Feb 19).
He said initial inspections revealed discrepancies between the declared items and the containers' actual contents, raising suspicions of an attempt to smuggle e-waste through one of the country's main entry points.
Mohd Asri said the syndicate is believed to have used false declarations to bypass the import permit requirement by labelling the goods as copper alloy to evade scrutiny.
"This tactic was clearly intended to mislead the authorities and circumvent the prescribed import regulations," he added.
"The Customs Department views any attempt to bring in e-waste seriously, as it carries significant implications for the environment, public health and national security," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 for importing prohibited goods in contravention of a prohibition. Upon conviction, offenders face heavy penalties under the Act.
In a related development, Mohd Asri said the department would continue to intensify intelligence gathering and enforcement at all entry points nationwide to curb smuggling activities.
"We will strengthen inter-agency cooperation to ensure that conditionally prohibited goods such as e-waste are strictly controlled in accordance with the l"The public is urged to assist JKDM in combating smuggling activities, especially those involving cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs, vehicles and other contraband, and to refrain from engaging in such activities," he said.aMembers of the public with information on smuggling activities are encouraged to contact the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest customs office. Informants' identities will be kept strictly confidential. – Bernama
