KAJANG: The Customs Department has collected RM57bil in national revenue from January to September this year, says its director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin.
She said the achievement exceeded the RM54.62bil initial projection by the Finance Ministry, reflecting a RM2.38bil surplus and a performance rate of 104.36%.
"As of Sept 30, 2025, revenue collection has already surpassed the target set by the ministry prior to Budget 2026. However, following the tabling of Budget 2026, we are now aligning the revised target.
"God willing, we are working diligently to ensure the government's target is achieved by year-end," she told reporters after the department’s 62nd Anniversary of the Royal Title, here on Friday (Oct 31).
She said the initial revenue target for this year was RM67.25bil, but following Budget 2026, the target has been revised to RM73.26bil.
Anis Rizana said the department could achieve the revised national revenue target by year-end, driven by the various initiatives and programmes rolled out since the start of the year, adding that the department is always prepared to tackle the government's stretch targets towards year-end.
On the 62nd Anniversary of the Royal Title ceremony, Anis Rizana said the event was not only a celebration of history but also a source of inspiration for the staff to continue fulfilling their duties with integrity.
"The celebration serves as motivation to work even harder in fulfilling our mandate, which encompasses collecting national revenue, facilitating trade, and enforcing the law," she said.
The conferment of the Royal title on Oct 29, 1963, was the nation's highest recognition of the significant contributions of the department, then known as the Customs and Excise Department, to the country and its people.
In the early years of Malaysia's formation, the department was a cornerstone of national development, contributing over 50% of the federal government's total annual revenue. - Bernama
