Legal Remedies for Unlawful Customs Department Seizures
MWKA Online Talk: Legal Remedies for Unlawful Customs Department Seizures
Wednesday, 29 October 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
★SPEAKER
Agalya J Munusamy, Partner, Dispute Resolution Practice Group
★ABOUT THIS ONLINE TALK
When the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) detains goods without clear justification, it’s more than a logistical headache — it can cripple supply chains, erode client trust, and cause serious financial losses. But where does enforcement end and overreach begin? And what remedies are available when your cargo is unlawfully held?
This talk will unpack the legal limits of RMCD’s powers under the Customs Act 1967, highlight recent court decisions on wrongful seizures, and share practical steps businesses must take immediately after a seizure. Participants will also gain insights into due process requirements, how to lodge timely protests or reviews, and the legal remedies available — including claims for damages.
The talk will be delivered over video conference using Zoom.us. You can either view the talk from your web browser or download the Zoom app.
★TALK POINTS
- Powers of the customs officers under the Customs Act 1967
- Immediate steps businesses should take after a seizure
- Legal remedies and claims for damages in wrongful seizure cases
- Key cases involving RMCD overreach and judicial trends
★SPEAKER
Agalya graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Aberystwyth University, Wales and obtained her Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) in 2013.
Agalya is a highly skilled and accomplished lawyer with a remarkable track record in handling complex legal matters with a primary area of expertise in Criminal Litigation, Civil Litigation and contractual disputes. She has represented clients in the Court of Appeal for anti-money laundering/white collar crimes and most recently in the Federal Court for breach of statutory duty against the Government of Malaysia. Agalya has demonstrated her expertise in handling high-stakes cases including smuggling and immigration offences. Her exceptional advocacy skills has resulted in successful outcomes for her clients from the Magistrates Court all the way to the Federal Court. Her extensive knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, coupled with their strong legal acumen, has enabled her to navigate the complexities in legal procedures and safeguard her clients’ rights and interests. Agalya has also secured favourable outcomes by arguing against the creation of a resulting trust and challenging orders for eviction. She has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of administrative law, coupled with meticulous preparation for her clients seeking redress through the judicial review process.
Agalya’s other areas of practice include taxation, general civil litigation and debt recovery.
As part of her professional development, Agalya has enrolled with the Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators for the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme in March 2023.
MWKA Online Talk: Legal Remedies for Unlawful Customs Department Seizures
Wednesday, 29 October 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
★SPEAKER
Agalya J Munusamy, Partner, Dispute Resolution Practice Group
★ABOUT THIS ONLINE TALK
When the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) detains goods without clear justification, it’s more than a logistical headache — it can cripple supply chains, erode client trust, and cause serious financial losses. But where does enforcement end and overreach begin? And what remedies are available when your cargo is unlawfully held?
This talk will unpack the legal limits of RMCD’s powers under the Customs Act 1967, highlight recent court decisions on wrongful seizures, and share practical steps businesses must take immediately after a seizure. Participants will also gain insights into due process requirements, how to lodge timely protests or reviews, and the legal remedies available — including claims for damages.
The talk will be delivered over video conference using Zoom.us. You can either view the talk from your web browser or download the Zoom app.
★TALK POINTS
- Powers of the customs officers under the Customs Act 1967
- Immediate steps businesses should take after a seizure
- Legal remedies and claims for damages in wrongful seizure cases
- Key cases involving RMCD overreach and judicial trends
★SPEAKER
Agalya graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Aberystwyth University, Wales and obtained her Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) in 2013.
Agalya is a highly skilled and accomplished lawyer with a remarkable track record in handling complex legal matters with a primary area of expertise in Criminal Litigation, Civil Litigation and contractual disputes. She has represented clients in the Court of Appeal for anti-money laundering/white collar crimes and most recently in the Federal Court for breach of statutory duty against the Government of Malaysia. Agalya has demonstrated her expertise in handling high-stakes cases including smuggling and immigration offences. Her exceptional advocacy skills has resulted in successful outcomes for her clients from the Magistrates Court all the way to the Federal Court. Her extensive knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, coupled with their strong legal acumen, has enabled her to navigate the complexities in legal procedures and safeguard her clients’ rights and interests. Agalya has also secured favourable outcomes by arguing against the creation of a resulting trust and challenging orders for eviction. She has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of administrative law, coupled with meticulous preparation for her clients seeking redress through the judicial review process.
Agalya’s other areas of practice include taxation, general civil litigation and debt recovery.
As part of her professional development, Agalya has enrolled with the Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators for the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme in March 2023.