KUCHING: The Sarawak Customs Department has thwarted an attempt to import two sports cars into the country through improper channels earlier this month.
Its director Norizan Yahya said the seizure was made at 10 am on Dec 5 at Pending Port.
Acting on intelligence, a team from the Kuching Customs Land Operations Unit detained a Honda NA1 (NSX) and a Lexus RC300 F-Sport for inspection.
“Thorough examinations revealed that the vehicle information declared in the Customs Form 3 matched the details on a copy of the Vehicle Ownership Certificate.
“However, after cross-referencing the vehicle information with records from the Road Transport Department (RTD), it was discovered that the chassis numbers did not match.
“The vehicles were suspected to be illegal goods as they were brought into the country through improper channels,” he said in a statement.
The vehicles, with their combined value estimated at RM354,574.15, including duties and taxes amounting to RM562,000.57, were seized for further investigation.
Norizan added that the modus operandi involved using legitimate vehicle registration numbers resembling those of the seized cars to evade detection.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which provides for a fine up to RM500,000, imprisonment up to five years, or both, upon conviction.
Following this, members of the public are urged to help the department to combat drug smuggling and smuggling of other goods as they deprive the country of revenue, and also pose a threat to national security.
They can report any suspicious activities related to smuggling via the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office.
