Customs Seizes Three Liquor-filled Containers Worth RM343,400 In Labuan

LABUAN, April 21 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (Customs) Labuan branch has seized three 20-foot containers filled with liquor valued at RM343,400, involving unpaid duties and taxes amounting to RM948,168.61 in an operation at the port here.

Labuan Customs director Aspalila Ag Tuah said the seizure was carried out by the department’s enforcement operations team following intelligence received.

‘The operation, conducted at about 10 am on March 17, led to the confiscation of the containers, which were found to contain liquor imported by a company holding a valid import licence.

“Initial investigations revealed the company possessed an import licence approved by Labuan Customs for the period from March 20, 2025 to March 19, 2026, with an authorised quota of 250,000 litres.

“However, further investigations found that the company had exceeded the approved quota by importing an additional 52,746.24 litres of liquor within the licence period,” she said at a press conference here today.

Aspalila said the importation of liquor is subject to strict licensing requirements, including adherence to approved quotas and the use of tax stamps authorised by the Director-General of Customs, in accordance with Regulation 42(1) of the Customs Regulations 2019.

She said the modus operandi involved declaring the goods through two Customs Form No. 1 submissions while transporting the liquor in three separate containers.

The case is being investigated under Section 138 of the Customs Act 1967.

Aspalila stressed that the Customs Department remains committed to addressing non-compliance with customs laws and will continue to intensify enforcement efforts to curb smuggling and illegal import activities.

She also urged the public to assist the department in combating smuggling activities involving items such as cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs and vehicles, noting that such activities not only result in revenue leakage but also pose risks to national security and public well-being.

Members of the public with information are urged to contact the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office, with assurances that informants’ identities will be kept confidential.

--BERNAMA