KUCHING: The Sarawak Customs Department has seized 12 million sticks of contraband cigarettes from a warehouse in Demak Laut Industrial Park late last month.
The cigarettes, worth RM3.6 million, carried unpaid duties and taxes amounting to RM8.28 million, bringing the estimated total value of the seizure to RM11.88 million.
Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said a local man in his 50s, believed to be the warehouse owner and manager, was arrested during the operation.
The suspect was later released on bail of RM50,000 pending further investigation.
“Based on intelligence received from our Headquarters’ Intelligence Zone, an enforcement team from Kuching Land Operations Unit raided the premises around 4 pm on July 29.
“The team uncovered the cigarettes believed to be uncustomed and prohibited items,” he said in a press conference at Wisma Kastam, here today (Aug 20).
Norizan explained that the goods had entered the country through Customs Form 8, with part of the shipment seemingly meant for a neighbouring country.
However, as no taxes were paid, the consignment remained here and was also believed to be channelled into the local market.
He pointed out that the department is also probing possible links to a wider smuggling syndicate.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which provides for a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both, upon conviction.
Norizan reminded the public that cigarettes are listed as prohibited items under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, which requires an Import Permit.
He also urged public cooperation in combating smuggling activities, stressing that such offences not only cause significant revenue losses to the country but also pose threats to national security and public well-being.
