PORT KLANG: An electronic waste (e-waste) smuggling syndicate has been crippled with the seizure of eight containers valued at an estimated RM2.15mil in a raid at North Port, Klang.
Pahang Customs director Mohd Asri Seman said the operation on Feb 3 was carried out following intelligence gathered by the Bentong Enforcement Division in collaboration with the Selangor Environment Department.
He said the eight 12m containers which were brought from Canada (five containers), Spain (two) and Croatia (one) were seized at the CP-Hold Yard.
“The seizure involved about 186,737kg of e-waste, with an estimated value of RM2,152,476. The shipment is believed to have been done without a permit and falsely declared in the Customs documentation.
“The importation of e-waste is categorised as conditionally prohibited and 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 Environment Department director-general. The case is still under investigation,” he told a press conference at the CT1 Warehouse, North Port, yesterday, Bernama reported.
He said inspections revealed discrepancies between the declared items and actual contents of the containers, raising suspicions of an attempt to smuggle e-waste through the country’s main entry point.
Mohd Asri said the syndicate was 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.
“The Customs Department takes seriously any attempt to bring in e-waste, 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. Upon conviction, offenders face heavy penalties.
In a related development, Mohd Asri said his department would continue to intensify intelligence gathering and enforcement at all entry points to curb smuggling.
“We will strengthen inter-agency cooperation to ensure that conditionally prohibited goods such as e-waste are strictly controlled in accordance with the law.
“The public can help combat smuggling activities, especially those involving cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs, vehicles and other contraband,” he said.
