KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Customs Department foiled 7,215 smuggling cases last year, with a total seizure and tax value amounting to RM1.644 billion, an increase of 85.92 per cent compared to RM884.27 million in 2023, according to Customs director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin.
She attributed part of the success to a shift in the department's enforcement strategy implemented last year, moving from an output-based approach (number of cases) to an outcome-based approach (value and duties/taxes).
"The main focus is on high-impact cases, such as those involving large-scale containers. This approach aims to maximise enforcement effectiveness and ensure that the nation's revenue is more comprehensively protected," she said after appearing as a guest on Bernama TV Ruang Bicara programme tonight.
She said the Customs Department is crucial in driving the country's fiscal policies, ensuring orderly trade management, and combating smuggling, contributing to the nation's prosperity.
"The allocation given to the department is not just for operational costs like other government agencies, but a strategic investment to ensure a high economic return for the country in terms of revenue collection and enforcement effectiveness," she said.
While on air, Anis Rizana said that the department had acquired 66 new high-tech, AI-powered scanning machines for officers to perform their duties more efficiently, 30 units of refurbished marine boats to combat cross-border crimes, and 20 Labrador Retriever sniffer dogs to enhance drug detection.
"The department has also taken proactive measures by utilising the allocated funds to repair outdated quarters, involving 124 housing locations across the country to look after the welfare of its personnel," she said, adding that help was also extended to its personnel in Kelantan affected by floods.
Anis Rizana also invited the public to celebrate the 43rd International Customs Day, which will be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Monday.
"Various activities and exhibitions by nearly 30 exhibitors will be featured, in addition to a theatrical performance of 'Syahbandar' that reflects on the history of the customs' role since the Melaka Sultanate," she added.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
