4 days ago
High demand for illicit cigarettes in KL, RM35mil seized in first six months this year
PETALING JAYA: High demand for contraband cigarettes in Kuala Lumpur remains a concern, with over RM35 million worth of illicit cigarettes seized in the first six months of this year.
Kuala Lumpur Customs Department director Wan Norizan Wan Daud said the seizures were made between January and June.
She said that with contraband cigarettes being sold discreetly for as low as RM7 per pack, some smokers had a clear preference for illicit products rather than paying more for legitimate cigarettes.
"Our checks showed that the price varies according to location.
"We made a total of 160 seizures between January and June this year, resulting in RM35 million worth of illicit cigarettes being confiscated," she told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Customs Department office today.
She said that in the most recent case, 2,402,000 illicit cigarettes worth over RM2.07 million were seized in Klang.
"A raid was carried out at about 3am on July 9 by the Kuala Lumpur Customs Enforcement Division, following a public tip-off received three hours earlier.
"Based on intelligence gathered since midnight, our team raided a container parking lot at Jalan Telekom, Kampung Johan Setia, Klang, and found imported contraband cigarettes suspected to be prohibited goods," she said.
She said the cigarettes were stored in a 40-foot container that had been converted into a permanent storage facility before being distributed to local suppliers, with a market value of around RM7 per pack.
Wan Norizan said the cigarettes were believed to have been smuggled by sea.
"This case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for storing or possessing uncustomed goods or prohibited imports," she said.
She urged the public to assist the department in combating smuggling crimes, particularly involving cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs, and vehicles, and advised against engaging in such activities.
"Smuggling not only causes national revenue losses due to leakage but also poses threats to national security and the well-being of the people," she said.
The public can provide information on smuggling activities by calling the department's toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-8855or contacting the nearest Customs office.
