Port klang: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has taken enforcement action on 231 containers from January to March this year, involving a total trade value of RM36.2 million.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Port Klang AKPS commander Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal stated that these containers were identified through inspections by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS), health compliance checks by the Ministry of Health (MOH), and tax-related offences handled by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM). "Overall, the AKPS took enforcement actions from January to March, involving 231 containers with a total value of RM36,243,214.11," he announced during a press conference at the North Port JKDM office.
Nik Ezanee provided further details, noting that February saw the highest trade value at RM18.9 million, compared to RM8.8 million in January and RM8.4 million in March. He elaborated that cases involving MAQIS accounted for the highest value at RM18.89 million, followed by MOH at RM11.24 million, and JKDM at RM5.95 million. The increase in cases during February is attributed to heightened import activities during the festive season, though Nik Ezanee cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions given the agency's relatively recent establishment and the lack of comparative historical data.
In other developments, Nik Ezanee reported that 15 electronic waste (e-waste) containers were dispatched at 8 am today, thanks to collaborative efforts with the JKDM, Port Klang Authority (PKA), Department of Environment (DOE), and SIRIM. He further mentioned that approximately 150 additional containers are expected to be sent out by the end of the month, contributing to a total of about 803 containers managed concerning e-waste and prohibited materials.
In a separate matter, Nik Ezanee shared the dismantling of a syndicate involved in the misuse of halal certificates and dubious health documents to smuggle 187.8 tonnes of frozen chicken and duck into the country. The seizure, involving seven containers, was based on public tips and intelligence gathered on April 9. Initial checks revealed inconsistencies in the submitted documents, including the use of a potentially non-existent company name and discrepancies in shipping information. Further inspections uncovered mismatches between import documents such as invoices, packing lists, delivery notices, and suspicious halal certificates and health documents. These findings led to the detention of all containers, which were subsequently handed over to MAQIS for further investigation.
Additionally, Nik Ezanee reported the detention of a container with 25 tonnes of frozen pork from Australia, valued at RM204,000, which has also been handed over to MAQIS for further action.