The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) in Selangor has seized dried shark fins, pork, and frozen chicken worth more than RM10 million under Op Petasan, conducted between February and March.
Selangor Customs director Mohamad Azhar Ahmad Paharazi said the first case involved the seizure of 35,660 kilograms of dried shark fins, valued at more than RM8.2 million, including duties and taxes.
He said the items were discovered during inspections of three containers at the North Port Free Zone on February 12, March 2 and March 9 respectively.
“Inspections revealed 35,660kg of dried shark fins believed to have been imported without valid permits,” he said at a press conference.
He added that the estimated value of the shipment was RM7,132,000, while duties and taxes amounted to RM1,107,749.
He explained that imports of dried shark fins require permits from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, as well as CITES import permits issued by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
“The shipment is believed to have originated from a South American country and was intended for the domestic market,” he said.
In a separate case, customs officers detained four refrigerated containers at the North Port Free Zone on February 6 containing frozen chicken and pork, believed to have been imported without valid permits.
The goods, valued at more than RM2.2 million including duties and taxes, reportedly originated from an Asian country and were believed to be intended for the local market ahead of the Chinese New Year period.
Both cases are being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) and Section 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967.
