Pahang customs seized over RM16 million in smuggled goods in 2025, with tobacco products making up the largest haul and 49 arrests made.
KUANTAN: The Pahang branch of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) seized smuggled goods worth over RM16.09 million from January to December 2025.
Its director, Mohd Asri Seman, said the total tax involved from the seizures reached RM14.44 million.
“The increase in the value of seizures and duties involved shows that the Pahang JKDM has successfully improved its operations compared to 2024, which only recorded a seizure value of RM3.9 million,” he said.
The highest value of seizures was in the category of tobacco products, amounting to RM2.39 million.
The estimated tax involved for tobacco alone reached RM13 million.
During the same period, a total of 49 arrests were made involving 61 suspected individuals.
Twelve cases have been charged in court.
Mohd Asri said his department will continue to be proactive and will not compromise with any party involved in smuggling.
He highlighted a major success in four raids across three states between November 27 and December 1.
His team managed to dismantle a syndicate distributing untaxed cigarettes and liquor.
The value of that seizure, including duties and taxes, was estimated at RM3.7 million.
The seizure involved over 4.5 million cigarettes and over 1,100 litres of untaxed liquor from raids 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 said.
All cases are still being investigated under Section 135 (1) (d) of the Customs Act 1967.
