KUCHING: The completion of the RM9.98-million Kuching Customs Enforcement Office Seized Goods Store is expected to reduce the Royal Malaysian Customs Department’s (JKDM) reliance on rented premises.
Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said the government-owned facility would help optimise public expenditure while providing a more secure and systematic storage facility for detained and seized goods.
He said the facility represented a strategic federal government investment to strengthen the management of goods seized through enforcement operations.
“The provision of an appropriate store is important to ensure seized goods are properly managed and stored in an orderly and secure manner, in accordance with enforcement and legal requirements,” he said at the Kuching Marine Office at Jalan Bako Muara Tebas today.
Nanta said the need for suitable storage facilities had become increasingly important following JKDM’s growing success in combating smuggling, abuse and cross-border crimes.
He said successful enforcement operations had also resulted in an increase in the volume of detained and seized goods requiring proper management and storage.
“We are aware that JKDM plays an important role in combating smuggling, abuse and cross-border crimes.
“The increase in successful operations has also added to the amount of detained and seized goods that need to be managed,” he said.
Nanta said the government-owned facility would provide added value in terms of asset and financial management, as JKDM had previously relied on privately rented premises to store seized goods.
He said the project was completed as planned, with the Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC) issued on May 26, 2026.
The facility is now ready for full utilisation by JKDM to strengthen the management of detained and seized goods in Kuching.
Nanta said the project’s successful completion was the result of cooperation between the Ministry of Works (KKR), Public Works Department (PWD), JKDM and the Ministry of Finance.
He said the project was implemented by PWD Malaysia’s Special Project Team 2 (PPK2), beginning on May 14, 2024, under the Conventional Consultancy method.
MSD Enterprise Sdn Bhd was appointed as the main contractor for the project.
Nanta said the facility would also support JKDM’s enforcement operations by providing a dedicated storage space that meets the required security, safety and management standards.
He said the investment would benefit the department in the long term by providing permanent Government-owned infrastructure for the management of seized goods in Kuching.
