THE Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) successfully thwarted 7,097 attempts at smuggling and duty evasion in 2025, seizing goods worth a total of RM1.88 billion, its highest ever annual enforcement haul.
Customs Director-General Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin noted that the value of seizures rose by RM250.71 million, or 15.33 per cent, compared with RM1.63 billion recorded in 2024.
“This achievement reflects JKDM’s capability and determination in enforcing the law consistently to protect national revenue,” she said.
The department’s top five seized commodities by value were drugs, vehicles, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, and fireworks.
“Drug seizures involved 734 cases with 7,738 kilograms worth RM490.75 million, while cigarettes accounted for 2,472 cases, totalling 566.58 million sticks valued at RM497.27 million, including duties and taxes,” Anis Rizana explained during a press conference at JKDM headquarters on Friday.
She added that since 2024, JKDM had shifted from an output-based enforcement strategy to an outcome-based approach, prioritising high-value seizures and duties recovered.
“In 2025, this approach was continued and strengthened, focusing on high-impact cases, particularly those involving containers,” she said.
Enforcement effectiveness was enhanced through the use of the MyCIEDS system, artificial intelligence, high-capacity scanning machines, and a combination of human intelligence and trade data analysis.
The department acquired 134 modern AI-enabled scanning units and conducted 100 per cent inspections of import and export cargo at West Port, Port Klang.
Seized vehicles were disposed of according to established procedures, including open tenders, while cigarettes and alcoholic beverages were entirely destroyed rather than sold to the public.
“JKDM expresses its gratitude to the Ministry of Finance, other government agencies including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and Royal Malaysia Police, and strategic media partners for their ongoing support,” she added.
Anis Rizana also urged the public to report smuggling activities via the JKDM Toll-Free Line 1-800-88-8855, assuring the confidentiality of informants.
Meanwhile, JKDM recorded its highest revenue collection in four years, achieving a total of RM76.18 billion in 2025 – an increase of RM10.61 billion, or 16.18 per cent, over the RM65.57 billion collected in 2024.
“This performance exceeded the Ministry of Finance’s initial forecast of RM67.25 billion and revised projection of RM73.26 billion outlined in the Fiscal Survey and Federal Government Revenue Estimates for 2026.
“By 31 December 2025, JKDM reported a revenue surplus of RM8.93 billion, or 113.28 per cent of the initial projection,” she said.
Anis Rizana highlighted that JKDM’s revenue collection has steadily increased since 2022, rising from RM52.93 billion in 2022, RM55.17 billion in 2023, and RM65.57 billion in 2024, to a record RM76.18 billion in 2025.
She credited the department’s performance to optimised workflows, operational restructuring, and strategic use of technology, despite the transfer of 1,053 officer positions to the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKSEM) at 22 entry points from 1 October 2025.
“The digitisation agenda, including nationwide deployment of MyCIEDS throughout 2025, has strengthened risk management, compliance monitoring, and trade data analysis. JKDM also integrates human intelligence with artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency and accuracy,” she explained.
The Director-General added that the department implemented Neuro-Linguistic Programming initiatives involving 65 officers to identify suspicious behaviour, reinforced inspections at West Port, Port Klang with 100 per cent cargo checks on imports and exports, and maintained 100 per cent rotation of eligible officers throughout 2025, exceeding the minimum requirements set by the Public Service Department. - January 9, 2025
