He said Maritime Network had incurred losses while waiting for greater certainty over the matter.
PETALING JAYA: Maritime Network Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jeyenderan Ramasamy has called for the relevant authorities to provide a formal determination on the treatment of petroleum cargo declared under the K8 procedure, saying the lack of clarity has created operational and financial uncertainty for his company.
Jeyenderan said the company had sought clarification from various government agencies, departments and ministries between April 27 and Aug 20, but had yet to receive what he described as a definitive written position on the status and handling requirements for the cargo.
He said several questions remained to be clarified, including whether petroleum cargo declared under K8 could be stored in shared shore tanks, whether different consignments could be mixed or commingled, and whether the declaration used in the circumstances was appropriate.
“In our assessment, this matter requires an official response from the relevant authorities, particularly given the potential implications for the parties involved,” he said in a statement.
Jeyenderan said the company had provided information and documents to the authorities and was seeking clarification rather than making allegations against any particular party.
He said Maritime Network had incurred losses while waiting for greater certainty over the matter.
“We have also suffered losses as a Malaysian shipping agency while awaiting an official determination,” he said.
Jeyenderan said the uncertainty had also raised concerns for the company regarding its regulatory and operational responsibilities, including matters relating to its business licence and potential obligations under Section 35J(4) of the Customs Act 1967.
“We are conducting a business and need clarity on the regulatory requirements applicable to us, including any potential financial or legal obligations under the Customs Act 1967,” he said.
He stressed that Maritime Network remained prepared to cooperate with any review or investigation and provide relevant documentation to assist the authorities in establishing the facts.
Jeyenderan said the company had reported its concerns to the relevant authorities and wanted an accurate and comprehensive explanation of the applicable procedures.
He added that he was prepared to provide records relating to the unloading and storage of the cargo, including information on cargo volumes, the tanks used and inventory levels before unloading.
“I will disclose the report relating to this cargo so that the relevant parties can examine the records and facts and, where appropriate, conduct a comprehensive review,” he said.
Jeyenderan had previously said he lodged a complaint with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) concerning issues surrounding the cargo.
He said the company was still awaiting further clarification on the status and outcome of the complaint.
The issues raised by Jeyenderan concern the interpretation and application of customs procedures. They do not, in themselves, establish that any individual, company or government agency has breached the law or caused any loss to public revenue.
