Customs seizes over RM7.2 mln worth of contraband ciggies, booze in Sibu

SIBU (Jan 12): The Royal Malaysian Customs Department Sibu seized 6.77 million sticks of cigarettes and 89,416.8 litres of alcohol worth RM7.288 million, including unpaid duties and taxes, in an operation here last month.

Sarawak Customs director Datuk Norizan Yahya said Sarikei Customs officers carried out a raid on a house at Lorong Rantau Panjang Jaya here at 9.15pm on Dec 19.

“Inspections by the raiding team led to the discovery of 6,766,400 sticks of cigarettes and 89,416.80 litres of liquor believed to be prohibited goods under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023.

“The estimated value of the seized cigarettes and liquor is RM1.209 million, while the total import duties and taxes involved an estimated RM6.079 million,” he said in a statement.

According to Norizan, the contraband was stored at a residential premises to avoid detection by the authorities.

He added the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for keeping or possessing uncustomed or prohibited goods.

If convicted, offenders may be fined not less than 10 times the amount of customs duty or RM100,000, whichever is higher, and not more than 20 times the value of the goods or RM500,000, whichever is higher, or face imprisonment of between six months and five years, or both.

Norizan urged the public to assist the department in combating smuggling activities, particularly involving cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs, and vehicles.

“Smuggling not only causes losses to the country through revenue leakage, but also poses a threat to national security and the well-being of the people,” he said.

Members of the public with information on smuggling activities can contact the Customs toll-free line on 1-800-88-8855 or go to the nearest Customs office.

The identities of informants will be kept confidential.