PUTRAJAYA: Investigations into an allegedly "missing" container of sophisticated military radar equipment from the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Johor Baru, are being focused on a possible breach of standard operating procedures (SOP).

"The issue here is about possible flaws in "paperwork and documentation" and not the whereabouts of the container," Customs Director-General Datuk Subromaniam Tholasy said today.

"The container did not go missing. It has safely arrived at its destination in Rotterdam in the Netherlands."

He explained that as the shipment from Australia involved sophisticated military radar equipment, under the Strategic Trade Act 2010, it required a permit from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) before being allowed to leave Malaysia.

"The procedure is if the Customs Department does not receive the permit, then we will hold on to such consignments. Its an internal procedure. On our part, we have followed procedures."

Asked if Miti had issued the required permit for the release of the container, Subromaniam said he is waiting for a full report on the findings by the probe team.

It was reported by an English daily today that the high-tech radar equipment had gone missing from the PTP, prompting investigations by the police, Miti and the Customs Department.

The report said a police report was lodged after the container of classified material, which was held because it did not have the required permit, could not be located at the port during a recent audit.

"The news is alarming ... it is as if the equipment was hijacked," said Subromaniam.

"We do not want to give the wrong perception of our port. The issue was misunderstood," he added.

"The investigations on this issue will look into matters related to the port's clearance and SOP, as well as the interface between the port and Customs Department's systems.

Meanwhile, Johor CID chief SAC Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said police are investigating the case jointly with the Customs Department and Miti.

"We have received the report and we will act on what comes under our purview if there are criminal elements found in the case," he said when contacted.

Kamarul said police had yet to classify the case as they are examining all aspects before doing so.