While Volvo is typically associated with safety, today it is in the news for other reasons
See, while some automakers are so iconic they are synonymous with certain traits, like performance, comfort or safety in Volvo’s case, sometimes, they deviate. Well, today, the brand is in the spotlight but not for safety as a sophisticated attempt to smuggle scrap rubber using a cloned Volvo XC60 was thwarted by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) in Kuala Ketil, Kedah recently.
According to Perlis JKDM Director, Ismail Hashim, customs officers became suspicious during an inspection of the luxury SUV, which appeared to be transporting scrap rubber. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle’s registration number was fake and the car itself was a clone, suspected to be a prohibited item smuggled into the country.
Moreover, Ismail said during a press conference “We believe this vehicle served a dual purpose—both as a means to deceive authorities and as part of a larger operation involving the buying and selling of scrap rubber.” The vehicle was discovered on June 14 at approximately 4:30 p.m. in a parking area at Persiaran KKCC 3, Kuala Ketil.
Further checks revealed the vehicle did not have a valid import permit, a requirement under Malaysian customs law. Ismail estimated the vehicle’s market value at RM40,000, with unpaid taxes totaling around RM55,000.
On top of that, in a separate case, enforcement officers also seized a cloned Honda Jazz on June 19 near a workshop located at Mile 5½, Jalan Kaki Bukit, Beseri. Similar to the Volvo case, the Honda’s registration number was fake, and it was also identified as a vehicle requiring an import permit under the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2023.
The Honda Jazz was valued at RM15,000, with an estimated tax liability of RM55,000. Ismail added that both vehicles are believed to be cloned from scrap vehicles originally from Singapore. These cars, typically deregistered and scrapped after five years of use, are illegally brought into Malaysia to evade taxes and import regulations.
“The use of cloned vehicles poses a serious threat not only to tax revenue but also to public safety, as these cars often lack the proper certifications and roadworthiness,” he warned. He emphasized that JKDM will continue to intensify inspections and enforcement efforts to combat vehicle cloning and illegal import activities.
Both cases are being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 and other relevant regulations.
