Sabah customs foiled three liquor smuggling attempts, seizing goods worth over RM300,000 including duty and tax in operations near Papar and Menumbok.
KOTA KINABALU: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has thwarted three attempts to smuggle liquor with a total value exceeding RM300,000.
Sabah Customs Director Dr Ahmad Taufik Sulaiman said the seizures on October 29 involved liquor valued at RM64,328.33, with duty and tax amounting to RM244,139.75.
The combined value of the seized goods and unpaid levies is RM308,468.08.
In the first case, officers intercepted a lorry near Kampung Tanaki-Kampung Kawang in Papar at about 3 pm.
The vehicle was carrying 5,368 litres of liquor with an estimated worth of RM103,576.36 including duty and tax.
A second interception occurred near the Menumbok Parking Terminal at 7.30 pm.
Officers found a locked lorry containing 5,376 litres of liquor valued at RM110,119.68 including duty and tax.
Dr Ahmad Taufik explained that liquor is a prohibited item under the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2023, requiring an import permit.
“All cases are being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967 for transporting prohibited goods,” he said.
He confirmed that no arrests have been made so far in connection with the seizures.
The director urged the public to assist the department in combating smuggling crimes.
He highlighted cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs and vehicles as key prohibited items of concern. – Bernama
