KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — The military radar shipment that was reportedly missing while being held back in a Johor port had actually reached the Netherlands, the Customs Department clarified today.
Customs Director-General Datuk Indera Subromaniam Tholasy denied reports that the container of the equipment had went missing at the Tanjung Pelepas Port in Johor.
“JKDM wishes to deny that statement as the container that contained the high-tech military radar equipment that was reported missing has actually reached its destination of Rotterdam Port, Netherlands,” he said in a statement this evening, referring to his department by its Malay initials.
“Investigations that are being carried out by JKDM are actually focused on compliance with internal Standard Operating Procedures in releasing trade that requires permit under the Strategic Trade Act 2010,” he said in the three-paragraph statement.
Earlier today, The Star newspaper reported that the consignment of military radar which is worth millions of ringgit had arrived from Australia last month and was to be shipped to Netherlands via Johor.
However, the consignment was held at the port as it did not have the necessary permits. It was then reportedly found missing during a recent audit, leading to a police report being lodged.
According to the report, all military equipment either in transit or being shipped out of Malaysia must have a special permit from the International Trade and Industries Ministry (MITI).
Quoting sources, the report said Customs officials detained the consignment due to the lack of permits when it arrived from Australia last month.
Customs and MITI were both reported to be investigating the incident. Nusajaya OCPD Asst Commissioner Nor Hashim Mohamad had reportedly also confirmed receiving a police report on the matter.
