KUCHING: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) has seized over RM1.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and alcoholic beverages following a raid on a premise at Kenyalang Park Shopping Centre on Jan 15.
Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said the raid was conducted at 3.30 pm by a team of Customs officers from the Enforcement Division, Kuching Land Operations Unit, acting on intelligence received from the Sarawak Intelligence Zone, RMCD Sarawak.
“Upon inspection, the raiding team discovered a total of 898,160 sticks of white cigarettes and kretek of various brands without tax stamps, as well as 12,247.27 litres of alcoholic beverages suspected to be prohibited goods, stored inside the premise and in a locked lorry parked outside.
“Cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are categorised as prohibited goods under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, which requires an Import Permit for their importation,” he said in a statement today.
He added that the case is still under investigation, with the seized cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, and three locked lorries being held for further inquiries.
“The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. If convicted, the offender may be fined up to RM500,000 or imprisoned for up to five years, or both,” he said.
Norizan also urged the public to assist in combating smuggling activities, particularly those involving cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs, vehicles, and other contraband, while advising against engaging in such offences.
“Smuggling not only results in national revenue losses but also poses a threat to security and public welfare,” he added.
Information on smuggling activities can be reported via the Customs Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88-8855 or at any nearest Customs office nationwide.
