Malaysian customs seize about $12.11 million in AI chip servers

On October 15, Malaysian customs seized 30 servers equipped with high-performance AI chips at the free trade zone of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, with a cargo value of about $12.11 million; the goods had been declared as ordinary electronic components. The authorities believe the shipment originated from one Asian country and was intended for re-export to another Asian country, and suspect that an organized smuggling network is behind it, using Malaysia as a transit point to circumvent export restrictions. No arrests have been made so far, and the companies involved have been summoned to assist in the investigation. This is the fifth case the authorities have identified as linked to the network; in June, 72 AI servers were seized in the same free trade zone, and according to The Information, the total value of the related seizures is about $24 million. In 2025, Malaysia adopted the Strategic Trade Controller directive, imposing additional controls on the export, transit and transshipment of high-performance AI chips, computer systems and electronic components.

AI-generated from public reports

1. Report date Oct 30· 1 reports

   Malaysian customs seize about $12.11 million in AI chips

   Source:heise online