Malaysia - Abandoned Cargo Advice

What are the main reasons for abandonments in a certain country? Do the reasons differ for certain ports?

Do the local authorities interfere? If so, why and after how many days?

Local authorities will interfere after shipping line advise the abandoned containers after 120 days
Authorities involved are: Free Zone Authority (PKA), Customs Preventive, Malaysia Quarantine and Inspection (MAQIS), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment (DOE) and Terminal/port opeartor.
FZA - as Free Zone Authority.
Customs / Preventive - any taxable declarations, import permits & mis-declared
MAQIS - mainly involved for food items, import duties.
DOE - authority for DG permits and scheduled wastes cargo.
DOH - import permits and perishable shelf life for meats and similar products

What are the options to get the cargo released once it is ceased by the local authorities?

Based on local regulations and the relevant Authority involved and as per their advice, either to salvage, dispose or return to port of origin.
By monitoring and constant follow up with the Authorities for faster release of cargo and containers.

Can the cargo be auctioned and/or disposed?

Cargo can be auctioned or disposed of -
Based on condition of the cargo with approval from relevant Authorities - can be salvaged / auctioned with proper documentation or declaration (to be borne by the new buyer) or disposed off.
Local regulations - either dispose off locally or return to port of origin

What are the requirements?

We need to inform FZA and Other Government Agencies (OGA) for inspection with Terminal representation.
Based on inspection of cargo, OGA to advice next course of action. to either allow for salvage or if non-salvageable condition, to be disposed
All documentation required are furnished, and payment of Custom Duties/Government Charges, Port Charges and other costs are settled

How long does this process take?

This process will take at least 4 to 8 weeks. or more based on the Authorities advice

Are the ports willed to waive the storage / electricity costs once the issue has been resolved, at least partially?

For Salvage cargo - all storage will be borne by the new buyer of the cargo.
For disposal - Westports - Only storage charges is partially waived.
Northport - No waiver given, but a small discount (partial) if requested in writing
For reefer cargo, no waiver at all for electricity on the Reefer Monitoring Charges

Source of Information

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