Melaka customs department director Roslan Yusoff (third from left) and his officers showing the shark fins found in a container at Port Klang. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Customs officers foiled an attempt to smuggle 5,069kg of shark fins estimated to be worth RM8.36 million, including duties and taxes, after seizing a container at Port Klang on July 2.Melaka customs department director Roslan Yusoff said the shark fins, in 180 sacks, were believed to have been imported from Guyana, South America, for the local market.He said the goods in the container were declared as fish skin, which is subject to a 5% tax."However, a physical inspection found that the container actually contained shark fins, which are subject to a 10% tax,” Bernama reported him as saying.Roslan said shark fins also required inspection and approval from the Malaysian quarantine and inspection services department as well as the Malaysian fisheries department in accordance with provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.He said the shark fins were valued at RM7.6 million, while the total duties and taxes amounted to RM760,275.The container was confiscated and a man in his 50s, representing the shipping agent and responsible for managing the trade declaration documents, was detained to assist in the investigation.Roslan also said the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 for importing uncustomed or prohibited goods.
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