Kuantan: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) foiled an attempt to distribute contraband cigarettes, with the seized items valued at RM1.63 million. Pahang Customs director Mohd Asri Seman said a raid was mounted on an unoccupied house in Indera Mahkota 21 on Oct 2.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the inspection uncovered 1,586,660 sticks of white cigarettes of various types and brands, believed to be prohibited items worth RM261,758. The duties and taxes are estimated at RM1,366,965.80. Mohd Asri Seman stated at a press conference at Wisma Kastam that preliminary investigations found that the suspect had used the secluded house as a storage facility for the contraband goods.

The house was not used solely as a storage facility, as evidence indicated the presence of occupants. Further investigations revealed that the occupants were several foreign nationals. An investigation has also been launched into the homeowner who rented the property to them. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for harbouring, storing, concealing, or possessing untaxed or prohibited goods.

If found guilty, they may be fined not less than 10 times the value of goods or RM100,000, whichever is higher, and not more than 20 times the value of goods or RM500,000, whichever is higher, or face imprisonment of between six months and five years, or both. Meanwhile, the public is urged to report smuggling activities by calling the Customs toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or contacting the nearest Customs office in their respective states.

JKDM also assures that the identity of all informants will be kept strictly confidential.