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Kota Kinabalu: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department collected RM76.18 billion in revenue in 2025, exceeding both the original and revised targets set by the Finance Ministry.

Its Director-General Datuk Wira Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said the collection surpassed the initial target of RM67.25 billion and the revised target of RM73.26 billion, achieving 113.28 per cent increase from the original projection.

“The collection reflects JKDM’s strong performance in revenue administration and enforcement,” she told a press conference at the Sabah Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK Sabah), here.

She said the department recorded an excess collection of RM8.93 billion, underscoring its strategic role in supporting fiscal reform while combating smuggling and duty evasion nationwide.

From a return on investment perspective, JKDM generated RM46.45 for every RM1 allocated in 2025, compared to RM42.58 in 2024.

“For every RM1 allocated to JKDM in 2025, the Government received RM46.45 in return,” she said.

With an allocation of RM1.64 billion last year, the department achieved higher productivity, with revenue per officer increasing from RM4.41 million in 2024 to RM5.49 million in 2025 despite the transfer of 1,053 posts to the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency.

In January 2026, JKDM recorded RM9.97 billion in revenue, exceeding the projected RM9.17 billion by RM800 million or 108.72 per cent.

“JKDM is optimistic of achieving the RM80 billion annual target for 2026,” she said.

On enforcement, Anis said Sabah’s East Coast remains a strategic focus area due to its exposure to cross-border smuggling routes, particularly in Tawau, Sandakan and Lahad Datu.

As of January 2026, the department foiled 646 smuggling and duty evasion cases involving total seizures valued at RM169.20 million, including duties and taxes.

Vehicles recorded the highest seizure value at RM65.26 million, followed by cigarettes at RM38.68 million, alcoholic beverages at RM25.31 million and drugs at RM7.51 million. Other seized items included firecrackers, textiles, tyres, spare parts, tiles, rice and currency.

Anis expressed appreciation to the Finance Ministry and enforcement partners, including the Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for continued cooperation in tackling smuggling and revenue leakages.

She also urged the public, especially those in border districts, to channel information on smuggling activities through the JKDM toll free hotline, assuring that informants’ identities would remain confidential.