Vehicles allegedly stored illegally beyond permitted period at licensed warehouse

Malaysian customs authorities have seized 13 imported vehicles worth about RM4.61 million after discovering they had been stored beyond the legally permitted period at a licensed warehouse in the Klang Valley.

Customs Operation Targets Illegal Storage
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) seized 13 imported vehicles during enforcement raids conducted between Jan 5 and Feb 6.

The operation, known as Ops Terma, involved inspections of licensed warehouses in the Klang Valley.

Vehicles Stored Beyond Legal Limit
Authorities found that the vehicles had been kept in a licensed warehouse for longer than the permitted storage period of 48 months.

Such storage breaches violate Sections 65(2) and 65(5) of Malaysia’s Customs Act 1967.

Value of Seized Cars and Taxes
Customs officials estimated the vehicles’ value at about RM1.7 million.

When combined with import duties and taxes amounting to RM2.8 million, the total value involved reached approximately RM4.61 million.

Company Directors Questioned
Two directors linked to the company involved have been called in to provide statements.

Investigators are also working to identify the importing company or agent responsible for the vehicles.

Heavy Penalties Under Customs Law
Authorities said the case is being investigated under provisions of the Customs Act related to storing or possessing goods subject to duties or import restrictions.

If convicted, offenders may face fines of up to 20 times the value of the goods or RM500,000, along with possible jail terms of between six months and five years.

The seizure underscores Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to tighten enforcement of customs regulations and prevent misuse of licensed storage facilities for imported goods.

Sources: Malay Mail (2026) , Bernama (2026)

Keywords: Malaysia Customs Car Seizure, Klang Valley Illegal Vehicle Storage, JKDM Ops Terma, Customs Act 1967 Malaysia, Imported Cars Investigation