Malaysia Customs to pause duty payments and goods release on 9 October

Two-hour pause on payments and goods release

A Royal Malaysian Customs Department (Jabatan Kastam Diraja Malaysia, JKDM) circular dated 7 October 2026 says duty/tax payment and goods release are not permitted from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM on Friday, 9 October 2026. Dagang Net republished the notice on 8 October. The timing coincides with the Budget 2027 presentation.

What is covered, and what is exempt

The suspension applies to both immediate and normal clearance procedures, including authorised landing places and private jetties. Passenger baggage, personal belongings carried by passengers and perishable goods are exempted. This is a Customs payment and release notice; it does not announce a general port shutdown or a halt to trucking.

Goods paid for but not yet released

The circular says that if duty or tax rates change, goods already paid for but not yet released by a Customs officer will be charged at the new rates. Goods already approved for release and only awaiting transport, or partly released before the change, may still be released. Urgent goods can be referred to the State Customs Director. Ask your clearance agent how this applies to each consignment.

Practical steps for forwarders and hauliers

As a practical precaution, complete urgent Customs transactions before 3:30 PM, confirm release status with your clearance agent, and align warehouse release and truck collection with the 3:30–5:30 PM window. Warehouse and Customs office closing times are decided by each State Customs Director, so confirm local arrangements.