Millions in booze, fags held up at Labuan port
Published on: Thursday, April 09, 2020
By: Sohan Das
File photo from Bernama.
LABUAN: More than 40 containers stocked with beer, cigarettes, wine and liquor from the peninsula and estimated to cost several million ringgit are “stuck” at the port since February due to prohibition of import without a valid licence strictly imposed by the Customs Department.Expressing concern over the “unexpected freeze” on the containers, Labuan Chinese Chambers of Commerce Chairman Datuk Wong Kii Yii, urged in writing to the Director-General of Customs in PutraJaya to intervene and resolve the situation facing the five Labuan importers.ADVERTISEMENT
“In the past the practice had been for the renewals to be approved by January and if there was any delay in the process of approval, the importers would still be allowed to bring out the goods from the port as it was merely a matter of time the valid licence would be out.
“But this year from February imports that came in were disallowed out of the port which is a departure from previous practice,” he said.
Wong said the licence was merely a technical issue as the importers could furnish evidence of renewal submissions and that such matters should not be made difficult for the importers.
He said due to the outbreak of Covid-19 many importers were already troubled financially with having to pay employees, service rentals and other expenses.ADVERTISEMENT
“Their woes should not be aggravated as they also pay high taxes to the Government.” he said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
Wong said if there was any issues, the Chamber was ready to discuss with the officials to find a solution.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The sooner the better but please don’t pull the carpet from under their feet. It would have a domain effect on the supply chain right down to the retail outlets and coffee shops,” he said.