Latest news with #RM8.28
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
Sarawak Customs seizes RM11.88 million in contraband cigarettes
KUCHING: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department Sarawak branch has seized undeclared cigarettes with a total value estimated at RM11,880,000. This figure includes both the goods' value and the tax evaded. The raid occurred at a warehouse in Demak Industrial Park last month. Director Norizan Yahya confirmed the operation's details. A team from the Land Operations Unit and the headquarters' intelligence branch conducted the raid on July 29 at about 4 pm. They also arrested a man in his 50s believed to be the warehouse manager. 'An inspection revealed various brands of cigarettes believed to have been brought in from Indonesia as prohibited goods stored in the premises,' he stated. 'The seizure was estimated at RM3.6 million while total duty and tax was RM8.28 million, making the total seizure worth RM11.88 million,' he said at a press conference. He clarified the legal status of the goods. Cigarettes are categorised as prohibited goods under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023. Their importation requires a specific permit. He detailed the syndicate's method of operation. Their modus operandi was to conceal contraband in premises storing licenced goods. The prohibited goods were then transported elsewhere for distribution. The investigation is being conducted under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. This section pertains to concealing uncustomed goods. If convicted, offenders face a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both penalties. - Bernama
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Customs seizes contraband cigarettes worth RM11.9 mln in Kuching raid
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Threads WhatsApp Telegram KUCHING (Aug 20): The Royal Malaysian Customs Department Sarawak has seized 12 million sticks of contraband cigarettes valued at RM11.88 million, including duties and taxes, in a raid at Demak Laut Industrial Park here on July 29. Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said the enforcement operation was carried out by the department's Kuching Land Operations Unit following intelligence gathered by the intelligence branch. 'On July 29, 2025, at about 4pm, acting on information received, a team of customs officers raided a warehouse at Demak Laut Industrial Park that was being used to store cigarettes suspected to be uncustomed goods. 'The raid led to the seizure of 12 million sticks of cigarettes valued at RM3.6 million, with unpaid duties and taxes amounting to RM8.28 million, bringing the total estimated value to RM11.88 million,' he told a press conference at Wisma Kastam Medan Raya here today. Norizan said checks revealed the premises was partly used to store legitimate dutiable goods, while another section was used to keep contraband cigarettes. The cigarettes, believed to have been smuggled in from Indonesia, were meant for local distribution. A local man in his 50s, believed to be the warehouse manager and owner, was arrested during the raid but later released on bail pending investigation. Norizan stressed that action against smuggling syndicates must be stepped up as the illegal trade continues to thrive, particularly in regions with high cigarette taxes. 'When the tax on cigarettes is higher than the actual value of the cigarettes themselves, the more they are smuggled, the more profit syndicates stand to gain,' he said. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. Upon conviction, offenders face a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both. Calling for public cooperation, Norizan urged Malaysians to assist Customs in combating smuggling activities involving cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs, vehicles, and other restricted goods. 'Smuggling not only causes revenue losses to the country but also poses threats to national security and the well-being of the people,' he said. Members of the public with information on smuggling activities are encouraged to contact the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office, and their identities will be kept strictly confidential.
