THE recent seizure of a large collection of Pokémon trading cards at Singapore’s Changi Airport has sparked widespread discussion among Malaysian travellers about customs rules and taxable goods upon entering the country.
Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Director-General Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin described the confusion as persistent and potentially problematic if misinterpreted.
She stressed that almost all goods brought into Malaysia are subject to duties at the border, except for specific exemptions. “Personal items are not a ‘magic formula’ to avoid taxes automatically,” he told the New Straits Times.
On 10 October, Changi authorities discovered hundreds of Pokémon trading cards valued at more than S$30,000 (approximately RM105,000) in the luggage of a 25-year-old Singaporean man arriving from overseas.
The traveller claimed he had nothing to declare. The cards, believed intended for collection and resale, were referred to Singapore Customs for investigation under the Customs Act and Goods and Services Tax regulations.
The incident prompted Malaysian travellers to question what is subject to taxation upon returning home.
Anis clarified that all imported items carried by travellers are subject to import duty, excise duty, and sales tax, except for goods eligible under defined exemptions.
These exemptions are outlined in three subsidiary orders: the Customs Duty (Exemption) Order 2017, the Excise Duty (Exemption) Order 2017, and the Sales Tax (Persons Exempted from Payment of Tax) Order 2018.
They specify the type of goods, eligible quantities, and value limits for non-commercial items brought by travellers by air, land, or sea.
For air travellers, the current rules allow duty-free import of one litre of alcohol, three new garments, one new pair of shoes, and food items up to RM150 in value. All other items are exempted only up to a total value of RM1,000.
Goods exceeding RM1,000 are subject to duties, typically at a 10 per cent rate based on the declared value.
Trading cards, including Pokémon, sports, or other collectible cards, are classified as “playing cards” under customs tariffs.
If their declared value exceeds RM1,000, the excess is taxable. “If the cards were purchased abroad and exceed the allowable limit, duty will be imposed.
This applies even if travellers consider the items personal,” Anis explained. “New purchases from overseas that exceed the limit must be declared.”
He emphasised the importance of declaring all chargeable goods under the Customs Act 1967 and the Customs Regulations 2019. Failure to declare taxable items, prohibited goods, or excess currency can lead to seizure and further investigation.
Commonly confiscated items at Malaysian airports include electronics, branded clothing, handbags, cosmetics, perfumes, watches, jewellery, gifts, food, and alcohol.
Anis attributed continued confusion to the misconception that low-value items are automatically exempt. “There is no leniency. Any goods exceeding the traveller exemption limit are subject to tax,” he said.
To avoid surprises at the green lane, Anis advised travellers to consult the JKDM traveller guide, available on the official website or via the call centre at 1300-888-500. While the green lane speeds up processing for duty-free items, customs inspections may still occur if necessary.
The JKDM is collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, the Immigration Department, Bank Negara Malaysia, and industry players to raise public awareness, including using social media for clearer explanations.
The department is also developing an eCustoms Traveller platform, a digital declaration system designed to make customs declarations and tax payments more efficient and user-friendly. - December 8, 2025
