Selangor Customs foils smuggling of 35.6 tonnes of shark fins worth RM8.2 million and RM2.2 million in frozen meat in separate Port Klang operations.
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Customs Department has thwarted attempts to smuggle 35.6 tonnes of dried shark fins valued at RM8.2 million through Port Klang.
Director Mohamad Azhar Ahmad Paharazi said the seizures were made during Ops Petasan on February 12, March 2 and March 9 following intelligence on trading without valid permits.
He revealed that the high-value fins, discovered in three containers from a South American country, were falsely declared as dried fish skin and dried foodstuff to evade detection.
“The total value of the goods is estimated at RM7.1 million, with duties and taxes amounting to an estimated RM1.1 million,” he told a media conference at the North Port Customs Department Headquarters.
Mohamad Azhar added that further investigations found the shark fins, which have a high market value in the premium food market, were targeted for the local market, especially high-end restaurants.
He noted that importing shark fins requires permits from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department and CITES approval from the Department of Fisheries.
The case is being investigated under Sections 135(1)(a) and 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 for smuggling and false declaration.
In a separate case, the department also seized 112.8 tonnes of frozen chicken and pork meat worth RM2.2 million without a valid permit on February 6 at the same location.
Mohamad Azhar said the goods, found in four containers from an Asian country, were believed to be for the local market to meet festive demand during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year.
Investigations found the containers, which arrived on January 16 and January 20, did not comply with permit requirements under MAQIS.
This case is also being investigated under Sections 135(1)(a) and 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967.
