The Customs Department has successfully stopped an attempt to smuggle electronic waste worth more than RM2.15 million into the country.
Eight 40-foot containers were seized at North Port here.
Intelligence-led operation from Pahang
Pahang Customs director Mohd Asri Seman said the seizure stemmed from actionable intelligence gathered by enforcement officers in Bentong.
The tip-off prompted close surveillance and a coordinated operation at the port.
With support from Selangor Department of Environment officers, the containers were detained on February 3 at around 11am.
The shipments originated from several European countries, with five from Canada, two from Spain and one from Croatia.
False declarations uncovered
Initial inspections showed the consignments contained e-waste suspected to have been imported without the necessary permit.
The goods were falsely declared as copper concentrate in import documents, apparently to evade restrictions on hazardous waste.
The seized cargo is estimated to weigh about 186,737 kg and carries a total value of RM2.15 million.
Legal action and penalties
The case is being probed under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 for importing prohibited goods in breach of existing controls.
If found guilty, offenders could face fines of 10 to 20 times the value of the goods, or between RM100,000 and RM500,000, imprisonment from six months to five years, or both.
Mohd Asri stressed that Customs remains steadfast in tackling smuggling that harms national revenue while endangering the environment and public health.
He called on the public to report any suspected smuggling through the toll-free Customs hotline 1-800-88-8855, promising full confidentiality for informants.
