Perlis: The Perlis branch of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) recorded seizures worth RM43,251,783 in various untaxed and subsidised goods, as well as drugs and ketum, during enforcement operations from Jan 1 to 31 Aug this year, in an effort to curb smuggling activities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the total seizures involved 98 cases, with drugs accounting for eight cases, with the highest value at RM23,250,630. This was followed by electronic cigarettes or vapes with a value of RM12,907,515 from three cases, and 36 cases involving other goods worth RM4,845,705.

Commodities such as frozen goods were recorded in three cases with a seizure value of RM1,099,656, three cases of tyres (RM694,079), six cases of ketum (RM231,425), 30 cases of cigarettes (RM121,091), and one case involving currency (RM65,000).

"There were also three cases of firecrackers and fireworks (RM16,741), two cases of subsidised goods (RM10,591) and three cases of liquor (RM9,350)," he said at a press conference at the Padang Besar Enforcement Store here today.

Meanwhile, Ismail urged the public to assist the JKDM in combating smuggling, particularly of cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers and drugs, and advised them not to engage in any smuggling activities.

"Smuggling not only harms the country in terms of revenue leakage but also poses a threat to national security and the well-being of the people," he added.