Customs expects enhanced control for offshore goods in Labuan

LABUAN: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department Labuan will be able to strengthen its oversight of goods destined for offshore activities following the completion of a new single-storey office at Asian Supply Base Sdn Bhd (ASB).

The construction of the purpose-built Customs office, tailored for oil and gas-related activities, was made possible through an investment of RM270,000 by ASB.

ASB, in a statement on Tuesday, said the project commenced in 2022 and was completed on Dec 31 last year.

Before the construction of this facility, Customs officers were stationed at ASB’s operational base, conducting checks through their office within the base premises.

The newly constructed office was officially handed over to Assistant Director-General Customs (Sabah Zone), Datuk Mohd Nasir Deraman by ASB chief executive officer Japar Estaban.

“With the completion of the new office, we expect enhanced Customs control on goods and equipment bound for offshore.

“We are duty-bound to provide a more convenient and conducive facility to the local authorities who have been helping us in ensuring a smooth operation within our base,” Japar told Bernama.

He noted that ASB currently hosts over 80 oil and gasrelated multinational and local companies within its operational base, with nearly 20 of them being Petroleum Arrangement Contractors (PACs).

He also said the completion of this Customs office marks a significant milestone in ensuring efficient and streamlined Customs procedures for the multitude of companies operating within the Asian Supply Base, ultimately contributing to the overall growth and success of the offshore industry in Labuan. — Bernama