KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department implemented some of its toughest measures from late 2023 onwards.
These included 100 per cent container scanning, AI-powered inspection systems and mandatory pre-declarations following two major drug-smuggling cases in Port Klang that year.
Customs director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said the prime minister’s recent comment referred to events that happened two years ago, before she became head of the department.
She said she was at the Finance Ministry as Treasury deputy secretary-general (investment), adding that she reported to Customs only at the end of September 2023.
“What happened in 2023 were two cases — the seizure of 376kg heroin on March 13, 2023 and 662kg methamphetamine on Oct 4 — by the Australian Border Force.”
Following the incidents, she said Customs decided to conduct 100 per cent scanning on all imports and exports beginning Nov 15, 2023.
“Based on checks under World Customs Organisations, Malaysia is the only country implementing 100 per cent export scanning.
“I have visited New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. None of them do this at their ports.
“Scanning is conducted only on items that are within the Customs’ main area. Customs’ jurisdiction at sea is limited to 12 nautical miles.
“Beyond that zone, jurisdiction falls under other agencies, such as police and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency .”
She said her decision for full scanning, however, came with resistance.
“I received a lot of criticism, objections and challenges.
“Industry players, politicians and others called me crazy for enforcing 100 per cent scanning. But I was firm.”
Anis said they subsequently upgraded their scanners with advanced technology.
“We introduced scanners with artificial intelligence, AI dual-view and dual-energy.”
She outlined other reforms, including mandatory pre-declaration (Customs Form 2) whereby exporters must submit Customs declarations before scanning.
Previously, containers could wait three to four days before going through the scanner.
“We enforced job rotation among officers manning scanners, in line with the Public Services Department’s circular requiring at least 50 per cent rotation.
“We introduced the Import Export Support Document System in September 2023, which stores import-export supporting documents online and reduces physical interaction,” she said.
It has since been upgraded in January this year, with enhanced auditing and future integration capabilities.
Anis said the department is procuring new scanners — four in Port Klang, two in Penang and one in Johor will be replaced.
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