KUCHING: The Sarawak branch of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle various brands of liquor and cigarettes, estimated to be worth RM3,153,205.
Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said all non-taxed items were seized on October 22, during a JKDM Sarawak patrol along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.
“During the incident, at around 2 pm, the team stopped a suspicious truck.
“The team followed the truck and intercepted it on the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway,” he said at a press conference regarding the seizure at the Customs Enforcement Store here on Friday.
According to Norizan, a thorough inspection of the cargo found approximately 3,400,000 sticks of cigarettes from various brands and 2,376 litres of liquor suspected to be untaxed.
He stated that the estimated amount of the cigarettes, liquor, including duties and taxes, was RM2,366,125.
“We also confiscated a rigid truck valued at around RM70,000, bringing the total value of items, including duties and taxes, to RM3,153,205,” he said.
Regarding the modus operandi, Norizan explained that the syndicate was transporting untaxed cigarettes and liquor in a refrigerated truck through a transit warehouse.
He added that the case is being investigated under Section 135 (1) (e) of the Customs Act 1967.
“If convicted, the offenders could face a fine not exceeding RM500,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both,” he stated.
He also urged the public to help JKDM combat smuggling crimes, especially involving cigarettes, liquor, fireworks, drugs, vehicles, and other goods, and advised against involvement in such activities.
He said that smuggling not only causes national revenue losses but also poses a threat to national security and public welfare.
“We also guarantee the confidentiality of all informants’ identities,” he added.
