No let-up in smuggling fight

Lahad Datu: Customs bosses on Tuesday made it clear that the department is not a third party in the sales of imported cars or smuggling nor in the sales of seized items.State Customs Deputy Director of Enforcement, Yunos Tahir the department had received complaints from the public that it has become a third party in such transactions. Towards this end he called on the public to not be fooled by anyone who tries to associate the department with any such transaction.

"This is not true and we hope the public will not be deceived by the irresponsible individuals or parties," he added.

Yunos said this in a press conference after witnessing the handover of duties between Lahad Datu Customs Chief Habib Mohd Fairuz and Saidin Jalaluddin.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Electrifying windows of opportunity in Sabah - The right policies, collaborations, and strategies can turn emerging opportunities into victories for all parties in Sabah.

CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s 2021 Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Plan and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) have laid out a road map to an exciting future for all Sabahans, with a target of increasing Sabah’s income levels and GDP per capita from about RM 23,000 to about RM 40,000 by 2030.

Saidin previously headed the Customs Marine Division of the State Customs in Kota Kinabalu while Habib will be transferred to Kota Kinabalu.

In a related development Yunos warned that stern action will be taken against individuals or parties found involved in smuggling activities.

He said smuggling activities affect the nation's economic growth and called on all parties to work together to address this problem.

Yunos urged the public to cooperate with the department by providing information on smuggling activities in their respective areas by contacting 1-800-88-8855. "We are serious in addressing this problem and public assistance is needed to address this problem more effectively," he said.

According to Yunos, the department was also involved in an integrated operation launched by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) since early this year and during this period, 56 seizures were made and 11 individuals charged in court.

Yunos said on Monday, the district Customs seized 28,000 contraband cigarettes that was hidden in an palm oil plantation at Km 56 Jalan Lahad Datu-Tungku. Unpaid tax on the items amounted to RM215,764.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

"The smuggled cigarettes of various brands were probably meant for distribution and local sales.

Enforcement will be carried out from time to time to address these smuggling activities," he said.

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00