THE Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) has seized RM1.3 billion worth of goods from 4,438 enforcement actions in the first seven months of 2025, marking a 28 per cent increase in total value compared to the same period last year, despite a slight drop in the number of cases.
"Although we recorded 90 fewer cases than last year—a decline of 1.99 per cent—the value of seizures rose by RM281.93 million," said JKDM Director-General Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin in a statement on Friday.
She attributed the increase to a strategic shift in enforcement direction. "In 2025, JKDM transitioned from an output-based approach focused on the number of cases to an outcome-based model, prioritising high-impact cases involving high-value containers and goods,” she said.
Anis added that the new enforcement narrative reflects “a transformation towards a more strategic and impact-driven methodology,” aimed at protecting national revenue and dismantling organised smuggling syndicates.
“Success is no longer measured by the number of cases alone, but by the extent to which enforcement curbs revenue leakages and cripples systemic, high-profile smuggling operations,” she said.
Between January and July 2025, the five top-performing regions in terms of seizures and recovered duties were Selangor (RM196.24 million), Johor (RM174.83 million), Sarawak (RM139.93 million), Sabah (RM90.24 million), and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (RM78.24 million).
Anis reiterated JKDM's commitment to bolstering national development under the Malaysia Madani vision, and extended appreciation to partner agencies including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
In line with strengthening border security, 184 cargo and baggage scanners owned by JKDM will be progressively handed over to AKPS. Of these, 132 units are equipped with artificial intelligence technology.
“JKDM remains fully dedicated to fulfilling its duties during the interim phase until the full transfer to AKPS is completed,” she said, noting that the deployment of scanning technology remains vital in intercepting smuggled goods.
Additionally, JKDM has added 20 drug-detection dogs nationwide, which have assisted in intercepting 9,809 kg of drugs, ketum, and chemical precursors. The department is also set to receive three Mobile Backscatter X-ray units in September 2025, along with 24 four-wheel-drive vehicles delivered in July, to bolster enforcement mobility and efficiency.
“JKDM will continue to strengthen security at entry and exit points to safeguard national harmony and public welfare,” she said. “We urge the public to support efforts to combat smuggling—particularly of cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs, and vehicles.”
“Smuggling does not merely cost the country in lost revenue, but also poses serious threats to national security and societal wellbeing.” - August 22, 2025
