SANDAKAN: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) successfully seized 100 kilograms of pangolin scales estimated to be worth RM1.3 million at the air cargo entry point here on July 6.
Sabah JKDM director Ahmad Taufik Sulaiman said in the 2.30pm incident, JKDM found five polystyrene boxes, each filled with black plastic, containing 20 kilograms (kg) of pangolin scales.
“Initial investigations found that the pangolin scales were brought from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan using an express bus service before being sent to air cargo, believed to be an attempt to export without a permit from the Sabah Wildlife Department.”
“We suspect that the pangolin scales were sent to the Peninsula first, from there they were arranged for export. All the scales were seized and no arrests were made, but we are still conducting further investigations,” he told reporters here, today.
Ahmad Taufik said the syndicate used the tactic of declaring trade in Customs Form Number 3 by declaring other merchandise for domestic shipment from Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The case is being investigated under Section 10 of the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686), and if convicted, the offender can be fined up to RM100,000 for each part of the animal or imprisoned for up to seven years or both.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Taufik said last month, the JKDM seized 95,080 contraband cigarettes and a vehicle estimated to be worth RM136,129.56 including tax, and seized 2,645 litres of subsidised diesel oil worth RM13,939.15.
Any smuggling complaints can be reported by calling 1800-88-8855 and the identity of the informant will be kept confidential.
— BERNAMA
