KUALA LUMPUR – Smuggling control measures are set to be expanded to liquor and cigarette products from January 1 onwards.
Speaking during the tabling of the Budget 2024 today, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government appreciates the commitment of enforcement agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in preventing the smuggling of illicit items.
“Enforcement agencies will continue to enhance their operations to prevent loss of revenue due to smuggling.
“As the amount of contraband cigarettes remains high in the market, cooperation between various agencies will be increased – particularly to tighten the enforcement on liquor smuggling,” the finance minister said.
In 2022, the rate of contraband cigarettes in the market dropped to 56.6% compared to 63.8% in 2020.
Among the new conditions include limiting transhipment activities for liquor products to selected ports, designating Bukit Kayu Hitam customs, immigration and quarantine complex as a single exit point for the northern region, and ensuring imported cigarettes are transported by full container load. – October 13, 2023