SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Customs Department foiled attempts to smuggle 35.6 tonnes of dried shark fins worth RM8.2 million at the North Port Free Zone in Port Klang.
Its director, Mohamad Azhar Ahmad Paharazi, said the seizures were made under Ops Petasan on Feb 12, March 2 and March 9 following intelligence on trading without valid permits.
"The dried shark fins were found in three containers that originated from a country in South America.
"The total value of the goods is estimated at RM7.1mil, with duties and taxes amounting to an estimated RM1.1mil," he told a media conference at the North Port Customs Department Headquarters here Tuesday (April 7).
He added that the shark fins had a high market value in the premium food market, and further investigations found that they were targeted for the local market, especially high-end restaurants.
He said the importer made false declarations by labelling the goods as dried fish skin and dried foodstuff to evade detection.
He added that the import of shark fins is subject to permits issued by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS), as stipulated under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, as well as approval under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) from the Fisheries Department (DOF).
The case is being investigated under Sections 135(1)(a) and 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967.
In a separate case, Selangor Customs also seized 112.8 tonnes of frozen chicken and pork meat worth RM2.2mil, without a valid permit, on Feb 6 at the same location.
"The goods, without a valid permit, were found in four containers and were believed to be for the local market, especially to meet the demand during the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year festive periods.
"Investigations found that the containers arrived on Jan 16 and Jan 20 from a country in Asia, and did not comply with the permit requirements under MAQIS," he said.
The case is being investigated under Sections 135(1)(a) and 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967. - Bernama
