Customs collected close to RM33 billion in revenue

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department recorded a favourable revenue collection of RM32.39 billion until Dec 24 which was a 3.18 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.

Customs director-general Datuk Seri Khazali Ahmad said the amount almost met the department's yearly target of RM33 billion.

"The biggest contributor was the automotive sector, followed by cigarettes and then liquor, besides collection from service taxes.

"Facilitations for the domestic automotive industry such as in Pekan, Pahang has boosted the car manufacturing industry as well as revenue collection," he told reporters after officiating the Kuala Rompin Customs Department office, here Thursday.

The Kuala Rompin Customs office has been upgraded with a cost of RM270,000 under the Economic Stimulus Project which was completed and began operating on Jan 1, 2010.

He said the Kuala Rompin Customs office was not only an enforcement station, but would provide customs facilitation services in encouraging development of Pulau Tioman as a duty-free island and tourist destination.

"Enforcement efforts also pose a challenge to department staff in carrying out their duties because of geographical, topography and the state's wide coast line.

"Enforcement strategies and approach will change from informer driver to intelligence driven to battle smuggling activities, as well as forge good cooperation with other enforcement agencies," he said.

Meanwhile, he also emphasized that the department will not protect any party involved in smuggling activities and will take stern action, even if it was its own personnel.