Kuala lumpur: The Royal Malaysia Customs Department (JKDM) recorded revenue collection of RM43.62 billion for the first six months of this year, which is RM3.62 billion more than the initial projection of RM40 billion. Customs director-general Datuk Amran Ahmad said the collection showed a 22.22 per cent increase compared to the RM35.69 billion recorded for the same period last year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, for the January to June 2026 period, JKDM recorded positive performance in revenue collection and enforcement, reflecting the department's continued commitment to fulfilling the mandate entrusted to it. To maintain the positive momentum, JKDM will strengthen risk management, compliance audits, and targeted operations by optimising the use of data analytics, technology, and more effective profiling, he told a media conference here today.

Amran highlighted that actions against high-risk commodities, abuse of tax facilities, and non-compliance have been enhanced to prevent revenue leakages. He expressed confidence in achieving the revenue collection target of RM80 billion set by the Ministry of Finance for this year.

In terms of enforcement performance, Amran said JKDM successfully thwarted 3,609 cases involving attempted smuggling and customs duty and tax evasion. The enforcement actions involved seizures of goods valued at RM1.30 billion, marking a significant increase of 21.50 per cent, equivalent to RM230 million, compared with RM1.07 billion recorded during the same period last year.

Amran detailed that drug-related seizures totalled 220 cases, involving a total quantity of 2,750.11 kilogrammes and 3,399.10 litres, with a total seizure value of RM366.58 million. Cigarettes recorded the highest number of cases at 1,494, involving 1,239.72 million sticks, with the total seizure value, including duties and taxes, amounting to RM329.27 million.

The report further stated that vehicles recorded 511 cases involving 2,026 units with a total value of RM191.07 million, while liquor recorded 417 cases involving 1.79 million litres with a total value of RM81.41 million. Waste and scrap commodities saw 104 cases involving 3,186.72kg, with the total seizure value, including duties and taxes, amounting to RM40.13 million. Meanwhile, other commodity categories accounted for 863 cases with a total value of seizure, including duties and taxes, reaching RM295.64 million.