Malaysia's Perlis Customs seized more than 510,000 smuggled e-cigarettes, involving more than US$2.85 million

Key points:

·Case Size: Malaysian Glass City seized 517,394 e-cigarette devices and accessories, with a total amount of over 12 million ringgit (approximately 2.85 million US dollars), and unpaid taxes amounting to 2.6 million ringgit (approximately 620,000 US dollars). 

·Suspects and Locations: A 19-year-old teenager was arrested for serving as a warehouse caretaker, with the warehouse owned by his father. The operation was carried out by the Padang Besar Customs Enforcement Team in August in Kampung Kelan. 

·Evidence of Violation and Legal Basis: The suspects could not provide import documents and tax payment receipts. The case is being investigated based on Section 133 (1)(f) of the Customs Act 1967, with the maximum penalty clearly outlined.

On September 22, 2025 - According to The Straits Times, on September 19, the customs department in Malaysia's Glass Market arrested a 19-year-old teenager in a raid last month, and seized 517,394 e-cigarette devices and accessories in a warehouse in Padang Wujud. The case involved a total amount exceeding RM12 million (approximately $2.85 million USD) and unpaid taxes amounting to RM2.6 million (approximately $620,000 USD).

The raid operation took place on August 12th in Kampung Kolan, led by the enforcement branch team from the Padang Wutong Customs. It was based on intelligence and surveillance operations in the area. Ismail Hashim, the director of the Port Klang Customs, stated that the teenager was detained on suspicion of acting as a warehouse guard, with the warehouse believed to be owned by his father.

Initial investigations indicate that the warehouse was being used to smuggle e-cigarette devices and accessories into Thailand. These e-cigarette products all originated from China, were transported to and stored at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), and then illegally cross-border through pick-up trucks or container trucks.

Hashim revealed these details at a press conference at the Glass City Customs Enforcement Storage Facility. He added that the group would store e-cigarette devices in the warehouse, but failed to provide any official import documents.

Our investigation found that the individuals involved failed to provide valid import documents or proof of taxation. If they encounter difficulties transporting the e-cigarette devices to Thailand through the Malaysian border, they would opt to detour through Kelantan to ensure the products enter Thailand," he added.

Hashim pointed out that this is the largest seizure case in the Glass City in 2025. Currently, an investigation is being conducted under section 133(1)(f) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries a maximum penalty of a fine of 500,000 ringgit (approximately 120,000 US dollars) or up to seven years imprisonment, or both.