THE recent seizure of a large collection of Pokémon trading cards at Singapore’s Changi Airport has sparked widespread discussion among Malaysian travellers about customs rules and taxable goods upon entering the country.
Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Director-General Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin described the confusion as persistent and potentially problematic if misinterpreted.
She stressed that almost all goods brought into Malaysia are subject to duties at the border, except for specific exemptions. “Personal items are not a ‘magic formula’ to avoid taxes automatically,” he told the New Straits Times.
On 10 October, Changi authorities discovered hundreds of Pokémon trading cards valued at more than S$30,000 (approximately RM105,000) in the luggage of a 25-year-old Singaporean man arriving from overseas.
The traveller claimed he had nothing to declare. The cards, believed intended for collection and resale, were referred to Singapore Customs for investigation under the Customs Act and Goods and Services Tax regulations.
The incident prompted Malaysian travellers to question what is subject to taxation upon returning home.
Anis clarified that all imported items carried by travellers are subject to import duty, excise duty, and sales tax, except for goods eligible under defined exemptions.
