Kota Kinabalu: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department Sabah branch foiled attempts to smuggle in liquor and frozen chicken worth RM1.32 million in four separate raids conducted recently.
Sabah Customs Assistant Director General Siti Mang said 7,010 cartons of various beer, declared as houseware, were seized at the Sepanggar Port from Nov 12.
AdvertisementShe said the first seizure involved 2,500 cartons of Hellsegga Beer worth RM376,233.
The second case on Nov 20 saw the seizure of 2,010 cartons of Chivas Regal whiskey and Anchor Beer worth RM292,087.
SPONSORED CONTENT Shell Sabah Deepwater Production Manager Earns Unsung Hero Award Daily Express had the opportunity to interview Musti whose story reflects the power of determination and resilience. Read more On Dec 3, Customs enforcers seized 2,500 cartons of Carlsberg Beer worth RM297,676.
“These three cases are being investigated under Section 135 of the Customs Act 1967 where the modus operandi is importing illicit goods with false declarations,” she told a press conference at the Sabah Customs Tower at Jalan Sulaman, Tuesday.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Meanwhile, 2.8 tonnes of frozen chicken believed to be smuggled in from a European country without import permits issued by the Department of Veterinary Services were confiscated on Dec 6.
“Further investigation is still being carried out in accordance with the same Act, which is liable to a fine of not less than 10 times the value of the goods or RM100,000, and not more than 20 times the value of the goods or RM500,000.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Offenders can also be imprisoned for not less than six months and not more than five years, or both, on conviction.
“Smuggling activities are not only detrimental to the country in terms of revenue loss but also pose a threat to national security and the wellbeing of the people.
“The public is advised to channel information related to any smuggling activities to the Customs Toll Free line 1-800-88-8855. The identity of each informant is kept confidential,” she assured.
In a separate case on Dec 4, Siti said enforcers caught a suspicious speedboat found laden with 504 litres of petrol believed to be for smuggling out to neighbouring Philippines.
“However, the suspects fled to shallow waters leaving behind the goods, including the boat, all worth RM23,548,” she said, adding the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) of the same Act.