Kota Kinabalu: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Sabah seized smuggled beer and vehicles worth a total of RM420,468.08 in three cases on Oct 29.
“Of the figure, RM308,468.08 involved liquor, while the remaining RM112,000 involved vehicles,” said JKDM Sabah Director Dr Ahmad Taufik Sulaiman.
He said the cases involved a total of 16,716.32 litres of beer suspected to have been brought in from Labuan, believed linked to upcoming festive celebrations.
“The first case took place in Papar, along the Pan Borneo Sabah Highway U-turn at Kg Tanaki-Kg Kawang, where authorities stopped a bonded truck. The estimated duty and tax involved amounted to RM83,230.43.
“On the same day, Keningau Customs enforcement officers found a bonded truck at the Menumbok Ferry Terminal parking area containing smuggled beer, amounting to RM83,930.88.
“Earlier in the evening, the team found smuggled beer in a locked lorry near the Jalan Beaufort-Menumbok Petronas petrol station, heading towards Kuala Penyu. The estimated duty and tax involved amounted to RM76,878.44,” he told a press conference.
He said alcoholic beverages are classified as prohibited goods under Item 3, Part 2, Third Schedule of the Customs Order 2023 Prohibition of Imports, which requires a permit.
“All smuggling cases are being investigated under Section 135(1)(i) of the Customs Act 1967 for transporting prohibited goods,” he said.
Ahmad also said JKDM Sabah achieved legal success by winning two cases at the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court.
“Both cases involved failure to pay sales tax and penalties within the timeframe required, where the total amount of sales tax and penalties involved amounted to RM553,327.79,” he said.
He said the first case was heard on July 24 for failure to pay sales tax under Section 26(9) of the Sales Tax Act 2018. The total unpaid sales tax and penalties amounted to RM246,965.28.
The second case, heard on Sept 19 under the same Section and Act, amounted to RM141,689.49.
“The court ordered both of the accused to settle the full amount within nine months, or else they will face fines and imprisonment,” he said.
Ahmad urged the public to assist in combating smuggling activities, particularly involving cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs, vehicles and other contraband, while also strongly advising the public to not engage in such illegal activities.
“Smuggling not only causes financial losses to the country but also poses threats to national security and public wellbeing,” he said.
The public is encouraged to provide information related to smuggling activities by contacting the toll-free hotline at 1-800-888-8855, or visiting the nearest Customs office. JKDM assures that all informants’ identities will be kept strictly confidential.
