Labuan: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Labuan successfully seized 55 vehicles valued at RM7.12 million, including taxes, following a series of enforcement operations conducted in Sabah and Sarawak from January to December 29 this year. Labuan Customs director Aspaila Ag Tuah announced these seizures, which targeted vehicle owners violating the conditions under Item 14 of the Customs Duties (Exemption) Order 2017.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aspaila explained that a total of 55 cases were recorded throughout the operations, with the overall value of the seizures, including taxes, amounting to RM7,117,025.23. The operations focused on vehicles purchased in duty-free islands such as Langkawi and Labuan, which were brought into the Principal Customs Area without being returned to the duty-free islands after the allowed period of up to 90 days in a calendar year.

The seized vehicles, including luxury brands such as Toyota Alphard, Toyota Vellfire, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi Q7, and Mini Cooper, are currently under investigation under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. Other vehicles involved in the seizures include Toyota Fortuner, Honda, Subaru, Toyota Avanza, Toyota Unser, Toyota Vios, Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi ASX, Perodua, and Mazda Skycity, among others.

Aspaila urged the public to cooperate with JKDM in combating smuggling activities, which extend beyond vehicles to include cigarettes, liquor, fireworks, and drugs. She emphasized the detrimental impact of smuggling on national revenue and security, urging the public to report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs toll-free line or the nearest Customs office. She assured that informants' identities would be kept confidential.