Many overseas students return home after the end of their studies often requiring to ship back tons of stuff. Some shipping companies enable you to save heaps because they piggy back regular passenger airlines, saving you almost 75% the cost should you engage a professional shipping company like DHL or FedEx. However, there's a catch - these companies often recommend that you to collect the items yourself from the airport, saying that sending it right to your door will cost AUD$250 extra.
I choose to collect it from the airport. Here a description of my personal experience of what happened, in hope that you'll carefully consider your options when shipping things home. These events are described after your dealings with the shipping company has been completed with you having your airwaybill number, an estimated arrival date, which airlines your shipment is on and your stuff already on the way.
Before you head to the airport
You'll need to wait for a call from the cargo company. In Malaysia's case, the cargo industry is monopolized by MAS Kargo. So even if shipments are handled by AirAsia on any other airline, you'll end up dealing with MAS Kargo if you intend to do your own pick-up.
At the airport :
1) Obtain Pass
Go to a building by the traffic light next to MAS Kargo to obtain a pass to enter the cargo free zone. A fax would have been sent to this station, giving you authorization to enter the free zone - dig it out from a tray the custom officers would have left on the counter. You'll also have to fill up a small form with some of your personal details. Your IC will be needed and exchanged for the pass, whereby your IC will be kept at this station.
Before you enter, take note that of the dresscode - you need to wear a collared shirt, long pants and shoes.
2) KLAS Cargo Complex - Gate A
Once you're in, head to the KLAS cargo complex. Ask for directions of where to collect your things. The workers will point you to a counter. Pay an admin fee of RM20 for terminal charges. Obtain receipt and proceed to another section of the building.
3) KLAS Cargo Complex - Gate C (Imports)
Show the receipt. Another authorization letter will be issued. You will then be asked to head towards the customs building, the tallest in the vicinity. Take note, that as you enter the building, you'll most likely be intercepted by runners who offer their services and advice to make your ordeal less stressful. They'll ask for RM50, but students can bargain for a lower price. The benefit of engaging these runners is that they make life much easier for you in terms of procedures.
This is not bribing! They are just runners. The only cheat is they cut ques.
4) Head to Malaysia Airports Office
On the 3rd floor, you will be asked to pay a further RM5 admin fee for FCZ charges. You will also be required to fill up a declaration form for any household goods you've shipped back.
5) Pay another fee via Dagang Net
The office is located on the same floor. Another charge is given based on the assessed amount of goods you've brought back. The amount should roughly be around RM25. Collect the receipt and head downstairs. And the documents to your runner, he'll get it processed while you head back to KLAS Cargo.
6) Head back to KLAS Cargo Complex
Back to where your shipment is at, provide the required documents to MAS Kargo and they'll issue you another authorization form for security.
7) Give authorization letter to security
The booth is located right outside office. After checking your documents, their personnel will collect your things and drop it off at the front of the collection facility. Load your stuff into your vehicle and..
8) Proceed to inspection bay 5 (or was it 8? hmm)
Where a routine check for contraband will be conducted. Before you head to the inspection bays, best to open all your boxes and check for anything out of the ordinary (like drugs which they hitch-hike on your stuff by drug syndicates). They don't do thorough checks (unless you look dodgy), so it should take just a while. Of course, before inspection, you'll need to present one of the authorization letters to them. They sign it off and they'll need to head back to the customs building. Note, if you engaged the runner - one of his colleagues will accompany you back and forth between the inspection bays and the customs office.
9) Present the form to customs office, Ground floor.
If you engaged the runner, he will take care of this step on your behalf. Apparently there are another 2-3 steps after this if you did not engage his services. He makes things alot faster because he has connections with some of the officers and is able to cut the massive ques. When he is done, one of your forms (which he will take from you between steps 6-8) will be returned, nicely signed. All you need to go is present it at the final counter where they will give the all clear for you to leave the complex.
10) Exit free zone complex and return pass tags
Return your tags to the lady at the customs booth, collect your IC and get the heck out of that hell hole.
Total cost: RM100 approx
Total time: 4.5 hours approx
In conclusion, I only recommend this step if you're really short on cash, have plenty of time during the holidays and if you have lots of patience.
