MIRI: A rare American muscle car, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, was found hidden under a grey canvas behind an abandoned business premises last month.
The discovery was the result of a targeted enforcement operation by officers from Miri Customs Enforcement Branch on Oct 7, after receiving information from the Sarawak Customs Intelligence Unit.
Sarawak Customs Department director Datuk Norizan Yahya said officers uncovered the classic Ford Mustang without a valid registration number.
“Further checks found the vehicle had not undergone any customs clearance and was suspected to be uncustomed.
“The seized car is valued at RM679,339.50, with unpaid import duties and taxes estimated at RM1,700,048.25, bringing the total seizure value to RM2,379,387.75,” he said.
Norizan added that importing classic cars such as this model is strictly regulated under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, which requires an Import Permit from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
It was understood that the modus operandi used was to bring in high-value classic cars without obtaining the necessary import permit from MITI.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for possession of uncustomed or prohibited import goods.
Upon conviction, the offence provides for a fine of up to 20 times the value of the goods or RM500,000, whichever is higher, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
“The department remains steadfast in its fight against smuggling, which not only causes national revenue losses but also threatens public safety and the country’s economic integrity,” he said.
“We will continue to intensify enforcement operations to curb the illegal import of vehicles, cigarettes, liquor, drugs, and other contraband.”
