KOTA KINABALU:The Sabah Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) seized smuggled liquor and chicken parts in four separate raids, with a combined value, including duties, amounting to RM1.32 million.
A total of 7,010 cartons of liquor, comprising various brands, were allegedly smuggled in without tax for the local market by misdeclaring the goods.
Meanwhile, 2.8 tonnes of chicken parts were brought in without the required import permit issued by the Department of Veterinary Services.
Sabah Customs Assistant Director-General Siti Mang said the first seizure occurred following an inspection of a container at Sepanggar Port on November 12.
"Inspection revealed 2,500 cartons of 'Hellsegga Beer' with no customs clearance, worth RM376,233," she said.
The second seizure on 3 December 2024, at 9.50 am, involved a team from the Kota Kinabalu Enforcement Unit inspecting another container at Sepanggar Port.
"Further inspection uncovered 2,500 cartons of Carlsberg Beer, amounting to 19,200 litres. The total value was RM72,768, with unpaid taxes of RM297,676," Siti added during a press conference at Menara Kastam Sabah today.
She said the third seizure occurred on Nov 20 involving 2,010 cartons of Chivas Regal and Anchor Beer.
The fourth raid on Dec 6 uncovered chicken parts brought in without import permits.
"In these cases, the modus operandi involved false declarations. For instance, the third case involving Chivas Regal falsely declared the goods as household items."
Investigations are ongoing under Section 135 of the Customs Act 1967, which carries a penalty of at least 10 times the value of the goods or RM100,000, up to 20 times the value or RM500,000. Offenders may also face imprisonment of six months to five years, or both.