Unmaintained Customs scanners pose security threat, warns source

 

With the installation of new Customs cargo scanners in the process, the old ones have been abandoned without maintenance, alleged a source.

The source said this has created problems with regard to the inspection system and left the door wide open for smuggling activities.

The source claimed that at least 10 scanners in Peninsular Malaysia were damaged because the contracts expired, some as far back as three years ago.

This included three cargo scanners at Westport in Port Klang, which were reported to be not functioning since December 2019.

“All the scanners have problems due to not being maintained. No contract (was renewed) until now. The contracts expired in August 2019,” the source told Malaysiakini.

According to media reports, there were at least two massive traffic jams along the Johor second link bridge over the past three years due to problems with the scanners.

In September 2019, it was reported that two drivers stopped their trucks in the middle of the road to protest the long waiting period at the checkpoint, bringing traffic to a standstill for several hours.

The source revealed that one of the two scanners located in the import unit malfunctioned at the time.

The source added that the Customs Department installed a new scanner after the incident. However, in May this year, another gridlock occurred due to a similar problem, leaving hundreds of trucks stranded for hours.

Radiation hazard

The source said the X-ray scanners must be maintained on a regular basis to ensure smooth performance.

The generators, the source said, must also be checked to prevent them from becoming a radiation hazard, as stipulated in the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) regulations.

“But now, the scanners are operating non-stop without any checks or service. Damage is inevitable.

“Sensitive components like the detector module are vulnerable to dust, humidity and temperature. The equipment can also rust easily.

“If the air-conditioner and airflow system at the seaports are not serviced, dust will accumulate and damage the scanned images,” he added.

Three of the cargo scanners at Westport in Port Klang

The source questioned the government’s rationale in forking out more than RM240 million for new scanners but failing to renew the maintenance contracts for existing machines.

“The consequences of machine failure are serious. The government not only has to spend more money on repairs, but it will also open the door to smugglers,” he added.

One example was the attempt to smuggle 727 tyres worth about RM697,000 via the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in early November.

“The report said the lorry was declared as empty but it was actually full of tyres. If the scanners worked well, this kind of case could be detected earlier.

“A scanner is like a goalkeeper. Once the smuggling syndicates break through the line of defence, then it is hard for the authorities to track them,” he added.

Malaysiakini has contacted the Finance Ministry and Customs Department for comment.

On Sept 23, the Johor Customs Department announced that its new high-tech scanners are equipped with “artificial intelligence (AI) and World Customs Organisation (WCO) specifications”.

However, Malaysiakini yesterday reported that a trial-run painted a bleak picture about the new machines from China. - Mkini