Customs intercepts unauthorised AI server transit worth nearly RM49.5 million
The KLIA seizure brings the number of cases linked to the same syndicate this year to five, with their combined value exceeding RM100 million.
A shipment of 30 servers fitted with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips, valued at nearly RM49.5 million, was intercepted at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) because it lacked transit authorisation, Customs said.
KLIA Customs director Aspalila Ag Tuah said officers found the shipment while inspecting a warehouse within the airport’s free trade zone at about 11.30am on Oct 15. Customs has linked five cases this year to the same syndicate, with seizures collectively worth more than RM100 million.
Initial inquiries indicated that the servers originated in an Asian country and were to be re-exported to another Asian country, Aspalila said. The shipment’s single air waybill listed electronic components, allegedly to conceal the servers from enforcement authorities.
Companies handling the cargo were assisting inquiries, she said. No arrests had been made.
Masyita Ismail, strategic trade secretariat senior assistant director at the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), said the chips were classified as dual-use items and therefore tightly controlled. Such items could contribute to weapons of mass destruction development, she said.
Masyita said chip brands and the countries involved remained undisclosed pending investigations. Miti oversees advanced AI chip exports, transit and transhipment under Strategic Trade Controller’s Directive No 1/2025.
Authorities are investigating all five cases under Section 12 of the Strategic Trade Act 2010. A corporation convicted of a wilful offence can face a maximum RM20 million fine. For individuals, the maximum penalties are a RM10 million fine, 10 years’ imprisonment, or both.
