PETALING JAYA: The Customs Department foiled a cigarette smuggling operation valued at RM203,120 in a raid at a terrace house in Taman Shahzan, Kuantan, Pahang, on July 13.
Its deputy director, Central Zone, Norlela Ismail, said the raid led to the seizure of more than 1.2 million sticks of undeclared cigarettes, with taxes and duties amounting to RM766,880.
"The enforcement team found a large cache of white, and kretek cigarettes of various brands, believed to be from a neighbouring country.
"The import of cigarettes to Malaysia is strictly regulated, requiring a valid import licence and approved tax stamps by the Customs director-general, under Regulation 42(1) of the Customs Regulations 2019.
"The seized cigarettes, totalling 1,201,620 sticks, were undeclared, and thus in violation of these regulations," she told a press conference at Kompleks Kastam WPKL, here today.
The department is identifying the people and networks involved in the smuggling operation, Norlela added.
She said the case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 for the import or export of undeclared or prohibited goods.
"If found guilty, the court may impose severe penalties, including a fine of not less than 10 times the duty amount, or RM100,000, whichever is higher, and not more than 20 times the value of the goods, or RM500,000, whichever is higher.
"Additionally, the guilty party may be jailed for not less than six months and not more than five years."