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.

References:

[1] Kastam rampas rokok seludup RM2.1 juta

Also Read:

[1] Call for Regulation of E-cigarette Industry in Malaysia without GEG

[2] Call for Immediate Regulation of E-cigarettes and E-liquid in Malaysia

#USA

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

Switzerland's Geneva to enforce ban on disposable e-cigarettes following court ruling

The Canton of Geneva has begun enforcing its ban on disposable e-cigarettes (“puffs”) after the cantonal court rejected industry appeals to suspend the law. Passed on August 29 by the Grand Council, the ban will now be actively monitored by trade inspectors, while a similar measure is already in force in Valais.

Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Malaysia’s Cabinet Agrees in Principle to Nationwide Vape Ban

Malaysia is accelerating efforts toward a nationwide ban on vaping, with the Health Ministry aiming to finalise the policy by 2026. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Cabinet has already agreed in principle to move toward a ban, stressing that the issue is no longer whether vaping will be banned, but when.

Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Energy Marketers of America Backs White House Crackdown on Illicit Vape Shops, Urges Cleanup of ‘Gray Area’ Market

The Energy Marketers of America (EMA) has publicly endorsed the White House’s enforcement campaign against illicit vape shops, saying it will help address the regulatory “gray area” that has emerged since 2020 due to delayed product approvals. EMA noted that a large volume of unauthorized imported disposable e-cigarettes worth about $86.5 million has been seized and called for stronger, more localized enforcement efforts to ease the burden on compliant convenience retailers.

Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Wigan Council and Police Seize Illegal Cigarettes and Vapes Worth £145,000

Wigan Council said its Trading Standards team, working with Greater Manchester Police, has seized large quantities of illegal cigarettes and vaping products across the borough in 2025. The confiscated goods, valued at around £145,000, were linked to multiple enforcement actions, including the temporary closure of retail premises and criminal prosecutions. The council said the measures aim to reduce risks posed by illicit tobacco and vape products, particularly to children.