Business · Malaysia Bureau
Customs clarity sought on RM220m K8 petroleum cargo dispute
A maritime industry expert has called on the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to issue binding guidelines on petroleum blending operations, citing confusion surrounding the classification of RM220 million in K8 vessel cargoes.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — The maritime industry is awaiting clarification from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) regarding the treatment and classification of petroleum blending cargoes, following a dispute involving shipments valued at RM220 million aboard the K8 vessel.
The expert has underscored the need for a standardised standard operating procedure across the sector to govern petroleum blending activities, arguing that the absence of clear regulatory guidelines has created inconsistencies in customs enforcement and compliance practices.
The call comes as stakeholders in Malaysia's shipping and petroleum sectors grapple with varying interpretations of customs regulations affecting blended fuel products and their movement through Malaysian ports and territorial waters.
Industry participants have indicated that formalized directives from JKDM would reduce operational uncertainty and establish uniform practices across maritime operators handling similar cargo classifications. The matter is expected to be formally raised with customs authorities in the coming weeks.
The development highlights broader concerns within Malaysia's maritime and energy sectors regarding the need for clearer regulatory frameworks governing specialized cargo operations and cross-border petroleum trade.