The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) in Kelantan has seized 47 luxury vehicles of various makes and models, worth over RM6.2 million including taxes, after discovering they were brought in from Singapore without proper documentation or tax payments between January and October 16.
According to Kelantan Customs Director Wan Jamal Abdul Salam Wan Long, the vehicles were confiscated in Kelantan, Johor, and Kuala Lumpur. They were found parked in public parking lots and condominium areas, believed to be waiting for distribution to local buyers.
He said the operation was launched following public tip-offs, revealing that the syndicate behind the smuggling used social media platforms to advertise and attract potential customers.
“Among the seized vehicles are a Volkswagen Beetle, Volvo S80, BMW 325i, Maserati Ghibli, Honda Jazz, Toyota Vellfire, and Mercedes-Benz, with values ranging between RM50,000 and RM185,000,” he said at a press conference at the JKDM Enforcement Office in Kota Bharu today.
Wan Jamal Abdul Salam added that the syndicate sold the luxury cars at discounts of 35% to 40% below market price to lure buyers, suggesting high local demand was driving the illegal trade.
“The syndicate’s modus operandi involves importing decommissioned vehicles from neighboring countries through legal entry points before relocating them to areas around Johor Bahru, where they are then distributed across Malaysia for sale or personal use,” he explained.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
“If convicted, offenders can be fined not less than 10 times the value of the goods or RM50,000, whichever is higher, and not more than 20 times the value of the goods or RM500,000, whichever is greater, or face up to five years in prison, or both, for the first offense,” he said.
