Malaysia Customs Seizes 2.5 million Cigarettes in Raid

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nov.28.2023
Malaysia Customs Seizes 2.5 million Cigarettes in Raid
Malaysia's Royal Customs Department seized 2.5 million illegal cigarettes worth over RM2.1 million in a raid, the largest of its kind this year.

According to a report by Freemalaysiatoday, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) seized 2.5 million cigarettes worth over 2.1 million Malaysian Ringgit in a surprise operation in Bentong and Sungai Besar.

 

Director of the Customs Department, Abdul Ghafar Mohamad, has revealed yet another example of the department's exemplary enforcement efforts. This latest seizure is being hailed as the largest of its kind in the state this year.

 

He stated, "All cigarette boxes are wrapped in plastic to prevent them from getting wet, and no arrests have been made. In fact, we are still tracing the owners of the implicated properties to assist in the investigation.

 

The case is being investigated under section 135(1)(D) of the Customs Act 1967. If found guilty, the offender may be fined up to RM500,000 or face a maximum prison sentence of 5 years, or both.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Changing Assumptions in U.S. Cigar Consumption: 2Firsts Interviews Cigar Educator Mechelle Merkerson
Changing Assumptions in U.S. Cigar Consumption: 2Firsts Interviews Cigar Educator Mechelle Merkerson
U.S. premium cigar culture is shifting toward education, broader choice and deeper links to craftsmanship and origin, cigar educator Mechelle Merkerson told 2Firsts. She sees boutique brands, women consumers and production-region experiences making knowledge central to cigar participation. For global brands, retailers and emerging markets such as China, education may help turn curiosity into sustained engagement.
Special Report
Jul.06
Product | OXVA Launches ONEO Pro in France, Upgrading Its Open-Pod Platform
Product | OXVA Launches ONEO Pro in France, Upgrading Its Open-Pod Platform
Vape brand OXVA has introduced the ONEO Pro, a refillable open-pod system that entered the French market in July 2026. The device features a 2,100mAh battery, up to 40W output, a 4ml refillable cartridge, multiple coil options and a 0.96-inch color TFT display. The launch reflects continued performance upgrades within the refillable open-pod segment, with brands adding higher capacity, adjustable output and smarter device interaction.
Aug.03
China’s Shanghai Tobacco Group Launches CNY 10.98 Million (Approximately US$1.53 Million) Procurement for Heated Tobacco Production Utility Equipment
China’s Shanghai Tobacco Group Launches CNY 10.98 Million (Approximately US$1.53 Million) Procurement for Heated Tobacco Production Utility Equipment
Shanghai Tobacco Group Co., Ltd., a tobacco manufacturing company under China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), has launched a public tender for heated tobacco products (HTPs) production utility equipment at its Shanghai Cigarette Factory. The project is valued at CNY 10.98 million and covers six combined air-conditioning units, electrical cabinets and control systems for production facilities. The procurement includes equipment design, supply, installation, commissioning and related training services.
Aug.07
JT’s Ploom Volumes Rise 43.5% as Cigarettes Anchor Its Transition
JT’s Ploom Volumes Rise 43.5% as Cigarettes Anchor Its Transition
JT’s Ploom heated-tobacco volumes rose 43.5% in the first half of 2026, while combustibles still represented about 97% of its tobacco volume and remained the main earnings base. In Japan, reduced-risk products now account for 48.7% of industry shipments, shifting competition from category adoption towards brand share, pricing and consumer retention. JT’s results offer a revealing case of a traditional tobacco company pursuing a prolonged, dual-track transformation.
JTI
Jul.30
Australian Coalition Taskforce Calls for 80% Tobacco Tax Cut to Combat Illicit Market
Australian Coalition Taskforce Calls for 80% Tobacco Tax Cut to Combat Illicit Market
According to SGST on August 26, 2026, Australia’s Coalition Illegal Tobacco Taskforce released a report recommending an up to 80% cut in tobacco excise to reduce the appeal of the illicit tobacco market. The report claimed organised crime groups now control about 80% of Australia’s tobacco market and argued that high excise rates have widened the price gap between legal and illegal products. The recommendation remains a policy proposal and has not been adopted by the Australian government, which said its focus remains on enforcement, compliance and additional resources.
Aug.27
South Korea Vape Strategies Diverge as BAT Reconsiders Exit and PMI Takes VEEV to About 14,000 Stores
South Korea Vape Strategies Diverge as BAT Reconsiders Exit and PMI Takes VEEV to About 14,000 Stores
BAT Rothmans says it previously considered exiting South Korea's vaping market because of competitive pressure from unregulated products, but is now reassessing conditions following changes to the country's nicotine regulatory framework. Vuse and other BAT vaping products remain available through existing distribution channels. The statement followed a South Korean media report that interpreted BAT's broader withdrawal from selected Vapour markets as a full exit from South Korea. Meanwhile, Philip Morris International launched VEEV inPRIME in the country in June and began expanding distribution to around 14,000 convenience stores and other retail channels in July. The contrasting moves highlight differing investment strategies as South Korea's regulated vaping market evolves.
Aug.14