SHAH ALAM: Selangor Unit II of the Central Zone, Royal Malaysian Customs Department (Customs) busted a syndicate that smuggled in steel from China worth an estimated RM9.65 million including duties and tax under an operation code named Op Waja that took place from June 29 to July 2.
Customs director-general Datuk Seri Abdul Latif Abdul Kadir said 57 containers containing cold pressed steel coils were detained in West Port, Port Klang near here in a series of raids. The consignments were believed destined for the local construction industry.
“The total value of seizures is estimated to be RM6.111 million, (excluding) duties and tax estimated to be RM3.539 million as steel is classified as a prohibited item under Item 1, Schedule Four/ Part II, Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2017.
“Checks with the Customs 1 form revealed the containers were declared as ‘Nickel Steel Plate in Coil’ and ‘Hot Rolled Stainless Steel Coils’ that do not require submission of an import permit to avoid import and anti-dumping duties as well as to evade detection by Customs.
Abdul Latif said the importers and Customs agents involved in the case are being investigated for attempting to fraudulently avoid Customs duties and evade the import ban under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967. — Bernama
