Customs Department confiscates nearly RM400,000 in contraband liquor from port and dismantles illegal beer bottling syndicate in Shah Alam, with total seizures valued at RM589,000

PETALING JAYA: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department Kuala Lumpur has seized contraband liquor worth nearly RM400,000 and dismantled an illegal beer processing syndicate.

The port seizure occurred during an operation at Port Klang, Selangor, where a 40-foot container was detained.

“Inspection of the container found various brands of liquor suspected to be uncustomed with an estimated quantity of 4,552.52 litres valued at RM380,524.16 including duty and taxes,” said Kuala Lumpur Customs Department director Wan Norizan Wan Daud.

He stated that liquor importation requires an import licence and tax stamps approved by the Director-General of Customs under Regulation 42(1) of the Customs Regulations 2019.

In a separate case, the department busted a syndicate involved in illegal beer processing and bottling.

The raid on a premises in Kampung Bukit Lanchong, Shah Alam, followed a tip-off from the public.

“The raid found the premises was used to carry out processing and bottling activities of imitation liquor to deceive the authorities,” Wan Norizan explained.

Further inspection uncovered processing and bottling equipment along with various brands of suspected uncustomed liquor.

The estimated quantity was 703.3 litres, involving an estimated value and duty or taxes of RM208,594.24.

The case is being investigated under Section 74(1)(f) of the Excise Act 1976 for offences related to taking part in distilling, fermenting or manufacturing dutiable goods.

Wan Norizan urged the public to help authorities combat smuggling crimes, particularly involving cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs and vehicles.

Information can be channelled via the Customs Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88-8855 or by contacting the nearest Customs office with the informant’s identity kept confidential.

 The Sun Malaysia