Pahang customs foils smuggling syndicate, seizing eight containers of illegal electronic waste worth over RM2 million at Port Klang.

PORT KLANG: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has crippled an electronic waste smuggling syndicate with a major seizure at North Port. Authorities confiscated eight containers filled with approximately 186,737 kilogrammes of e-waste.

The haul has an estimated value of RM2.15 million. Pahang Customs director Mohd Asri Seman said the operation followed intelligence from the Bentong Enforcement Division and the Selangor Department of Environment.

The 40-foot containers were imported from Canada, Spain, and Croatia. They were seized at the CP-Hold Yard on February 3 after being falsely declared in customs documentation.

“The shipment is believed to have been imported without a permit,” Mohd Asri said at a press conference. Initial inspections revealed discrepancies between the declared items and the actual contents, raising suspicions of smuggling.

The syndicate allegedly labelled the goods as copper alloy to bypass import permit requirements. This tactic was intended to mislead authorities and circumvent environmental regulations.

“JKDM views any attempt to bring in e-waste seriously, as it carries significant implications for the environment, public health and national security,” he stated. Importing e-waste is a conditionally prohibited activity requiring prior approval from the Director-General of Environment.

The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967. Convicted offenders face heavy penalties for importing prohibited goods.

Mohd Asri said JKDM will continue to intensify enforcement at all national entry points. The department will strengthen inter-agency cooperation to strictly control conditionally prohibited goods.

The public is urged to assist by reporting smuggling activities. Informants can contact the Customs Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88-8855 with their identities kept confidential.

 The Sun Malaysia