KUANTAN: The Pahang branch of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department has seized various smuggled goods worth over RM16.09mil from Jan 1 to Dec 30, 2025.
Pahang Customs director Mohd Asri Seman said the total tax involved from the seizures reached RM14.44mil, reflecting the increased effectiveness of the department's enforcement operations.
"The highest value of seizures this year came from tobacco products, amounting to RM2.39mil, with the estimated tax involved reaching RM13mil," he said during a press conference at Wisma Kastam, Indera Mahkota here on Tuesday (Dec 30).
During the same period, Mohd Asri said a total of 49 arrests were made, involving 61 suspected individuals, while 12 cases have been charged in court.
"The increase in the value of seizures and duties involved shows that Pahang Customs has successfully improved its operations compared to 2024, which only recorded a seizure value of RM3.9mil," he said.
Mohd Asri said his department will continue to be proactive and will not compromise with any party involved in the smuggling, transportation and distribution of uncustomed goods.
Commenting on the department’s success in four raids across three states between Nov 27 and Dec 1, he said his team managed to dismantle a syndicate distributing untaxed cigarettes and liquor, with the value of the seizure, including duties and taxes, estimated at RM3.7mil.
He said the seizure involved over 4.5 million cigarettes and over 1,100 litres of untaxed liquor from raids conducted in Kedah, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor.
"The syndicate is believed to be using unoccupied premises and the services of delivery companies for storage and distribution," he also said, adding that all cases are still being investigated under Section 135 (1) (d) of the Customs Act 1967. – Bernama
