After Finance Ministry says no duty due on K8 cargo, Maritime Network asks Customs dept to put ruling on record

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — Maritime Network Sdn Bhd is demanding an official explanation from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) after talks with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) regarding a K8 declaration for Atlanta crude discharged at Tanjung Langsat. During a September 25 meeting chaired by MOF Tax Division Under-Secretary Datuk John Patrick Antonysamy, the MOF representative stated that no duty was owed on the cargo.

However, Maritime Network is requesting both points be documented in writing before the company can close its compliance file. Managing Director Datuk Seri R. Jeyenderan emphasized the need for a written explanation outlining the provisions, exemptions, and factual assumptions behind the MOF's decision not to impose duty. He warned that a verbal conclusion is insufficient for his company to understand which documents supported the cargo transfer, the declaration that closed the movement, and why the agent was compounded.

The meeting mainly focused on 42,051 tonnes of cargo from MT Invictus, with another Atlanta crude cargo on MT Marlin Santorini also raising questions. Both cargoes had a combined declared value of over RM220 million. Maritime Network is seeking clarification on whether an outward record accurately described Atlanta crude and whether the cargo was blended into very low sulphur fuel oil.

They are also asking JKDM to review a compound imposed on manifest documentation and identify the exact alleged omission, responsibility assignment, and review options available. MOF's verbal conclusion on duty does not cancel the compound. MIDA, in a written response dated September 17, directed questions about activity at a Public Licensed Warehouse and applicable duties to JKDM.

Maritime Network is now requesting a coordinated written response from both MOF and Customs, outlining the applicable legal instruments, approvals, exemptions, and records supporting their conclusions.