by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 3: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Sarawak has seized more than RM5.2 million worth of contraband cigarettes and alcoholic beverages in three separate raids across Kuching in February.
In a statement, JKDM Sarawak director Norizan Yahya said this success demonstrates the commitment of JKDM Sarawak in achieving its goals through efficient and integrity-driven governance at every level of activity.
Acting on information from their intelligence units, Customs Officers from the Kuching Ground Operations Enforcement Unit raided three premises, including one in Muara Tabuan Light Industrial Park, Kuching, an unnamed premises at Batu 13, Jalan Kuching-Serian, and a premises in Kenyalang Park Shopping Centre.
All three premises were suspected of storing or selling contraband cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.
The raids led to the seizure of:
- Muara Tabuan Light Industrial Park: 69,461.82 litres of suspected untaxed alcoholic beverages.
- Batu 13, Jalan Kuching-Serian: 1.264 million sticks of various brands of white cigarettes without tax stamps and 475.2 litres of contraband alcoholic beverages.
- Kenyalang Park Shopping Centre: 508,000 sticks of illicit white and ‘kretek’ cigarettes, 14,775.95 litres of contraband alcoholic beverages, and a locked truck outside the premises containing more illicit goods.
All three raids were conducted in February 2025, and the cases are currently under investigation under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries penalties of up to RM500,000 in fines, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both upon conviction.
“The public is urged to assist the JKDM in combating smuggling crimes, particularly cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, firecrackers, drugs, vehicles, and others, and is advised not to get involved in such activities.
“Smuggling not only causes the country to lose revenue, but it also poses a threat to national security and the well-being of the people,” Norizan said.
JKDM also urged the public to cooperate by providing information related to any smuggling activities by contacting the Customs Free Toll Line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs Office in all states. The JKDM also assured that the identity of each informant will be kept confidential. – DayakDaily
