Malang customs and local government seize 5,604 illegal cigarettes

A joint inspection by Malang Customs and the Malang Regency government seized 5,604 illegal cigarettes from shops in four districts on Aug. 19, 2026.

The operation targeted retailers selling tobacco products without the required excise markings in Kepanjen, Pagelaran, Pagak and Bantur. Officers found 2,644 cigarettes at two shops in Kepanjen, 2,340 at a shop in Pagelaran and 620 in Pagak. The inspection in Bantur found no illegal cigarettes.

Pitoyo Pribadi, head of information services and public education at Malang Customs, said the operation formed part of the implementation of tobacco excise revenue-sharing funds and reflected cooperation between Customs and the regency government. Authorities took all seized cigarettes to the Malang Customs office for processing under the law.

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All the seized evidence has been secured and taken to the Malang Customs Office for further processing in accordance with the law.

Pitoyo said unpaid excise deprives the state of revenue that could support public welfare. He said the tobacco excise revenue-sharing funds are allocated with 40% for health, 50% for public welfare and 10% for law enforcement. Health programs include support for the National Health Insurance scheme, health insurance contributions for poor residents and improvements to medical facilities.

The welfare allocation can provide direct cash assistance to tobacco farmers and cigarette factory workers, as well as job training. Law-enforcement funds support public education, market inspections and efforts to eradicate illegal cigarettes. Customs urged residents and businesses not to sell or distribute illegal products and to report suspected customs or excise violations.

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To ensure that these benefits are felt directly in the regions, the government allocates tobacco excise revenue-sharing funds, with 40% for health, 50% for public welfare and 10% for law enforcement.