By JAMES LEONG
SANDAKAN: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) has seized 100 kilograms of pangolin scales, valued at RM1.3 million, which were believed to be destined for export abroad.
The seizure was made during a routine inspection at the air cargo entrance of Sandakan Airport about 2.30 pm on July 6.
Sabah Customs Director, Dr. Ahmad Taufik Sulaiman, stated that preliminary investigations revealed the pangolin scales were brought to the district from Kota Kinabalu via an express bus service before being sent to the air cargo terminal for export.
He disclosed that the syndicate’s modus operandi involved stuffing the pangolin scales into black plastic bags and packing them into five containers, each weighing 20 kilograms.
“The syndicate employed the tactic of declaring the consignment as other goods on the declaration forms to mislead and evade inspection at the air cargo entrance. This strategy was aimed at avoiding detection and circumventing the need for an export permit for protected species,” he told a media conference here on Thursday.
He added that no arrests have been made thus far, and investigations are ongoing.
Ahmad Taufik further explained that pangolin scales are classified under protected species, whose international trade is strictly regulated and requires a valid permit from the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL). The seized items will be handed over to the JHL for further action, and the case is being investigated under Section 10 of the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686).
In a separate development, Ahmad Taufik revealed that Customs also seized 95,080 contraband cigarettes, worth approximately RM67,000 inclusive of duties, in two separate cases at Kampung Bariawa, Batu 8, and Batu 2 1/2 in the area.
No arrests were made in either case, with the seizures occurring on June 15 and 16, respectively.
“The syndicate utilized scrubland and concealed locations as temporary storage for the contraband cigarettes to evade authorities before they were distributed to the local market,” he said.
Both cases are being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which pertains to the possession or storage of prohibited goods.
Ahmad Taufik (second right), shows the pangolin scales during Thursday’s media conference in Sandakan.
