Following an increase in the number of cases involving illegal narcotics smuggled through Malaysian ports namely Port Klang to Australia via sea cargo, with the most recent incident on October 12, 2023, YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia has directed for 100% scanning to be carried out on ALL exports from Malaysia through Port Klang.

In this regard, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) has issued a directive for Export Procedures via Port Klang effective November 15, 2023 which stipulates the following:

1. Declaration of Customs Form K2 (Export) is mandatory before ALL export containers enter the Free Trade Zone Area (FTZ) in Port Klang (Westports and Northport).
2. Implementation of 100% scanning of ALL export containers will be carried out in collaboration with other Government Agencies. Presently, as Westports is equipped with the scanners (currently 2 lanes are equipped with scanners), only containers entering Westports will be scanned. More scanners for export have been budgeted by RMCD for Westports. The 100% scanning will be implemented by Northport once scanners for export lanes have been installed. Both ports are expected to be fully equipped with export scanners by early next year.

RMCD at a meeting held on November 9, 2023 to discuss the implementation of the 100% scanning and mandatory declaration of Form K2 before containers enter the FTZ had highlighted the following:

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be issued by RMCD with contact details for the Customs help desk which will operate on a 24-hour basis to facilitate the implementation of the new procedures for export. FMM will circulate the SOPs once it becomes available.
• Police Department and Westports port police will be monitoring the traffic situation and if the traffic leading to Westports becomes too congested or in the event the scanner malfunctions, contingencies have been put in place to redirect hauliers to the lanes without scanners.
• Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) issues Permission Request Slip (PRS) which is an electronic provisional declaration for the purpose of automated release from Customs control at the point of import, export, movement and local sales and therefore will not be subject to mandatory K2 declaration.
• In the event the container is shut-out due to delays caused by the 100% scanning of export containers, exporters can make an application for Waiver of Storage and Removal Charges from ports by making a submission in writing to the Terminal Operator.

RMCD has agreed to carry out monthly meetings to monitor the issues faced by port users due to the implementation of the new directive. To prepare for effective representation at the upcoming meetings, kindly submit your issues/comments and suggestion for improvements to the FMM Head Office by e-mail to farah_nabilah@fmm.org.my using the attached format.

For enquiries, please contact Ms Farah Nabilah Fuad of the FMM Secretariat at Tel: 03-62867321 or Email: farah_nabilah@fmm.org.my.