Kuala lumpur: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) conducted raids on 55 cases of uncustomed liquor storage in private residences nationwide between January and July this year, with seizures amounting to RM1.42 million and an estimated tax of RM4.02 million.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, JKDM stated that the public is allowed to keep liquor at home for personal use without a licence, as long as it is duty-paid. The department clarified that individuals purchasing duty-paid liquor from licensed outlets for personal consumption are not required to maintain records.

The statement highlighted that the requirement to keep records for seven years applies specifically to licence holders or importers and exporters. JKDM's administrative law does not specify a limit on the number of bottles that can be stored for personal consumption.

JKDM emphasized that enforcement actions, including raids, are conducted based on intelligence or public complaints, rather than arbitrarily. The department noted incidents where individuals stored liquor at home for commercial purposes, with investigations revealing unpaid duty or tax on the liquor. Enforcement actions are pursued under the Excise Act 1976 and the Customs Act 1967.

Additionally, JKDM reported 599 cases of untaxed liquor seizures, involving goods valued at RM24.29 million and taxes totaling RM62.62 million.