LABUAN: Two local men were jailed three months by the Magistrate’s Court here after failing to pay a RM10,000 fine each for transporting uncustomed goods.
The accused, aged 25 and 32, pleaded guilty after the charges were read before the Magistrate.
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Labuan Customs Department (JKDM) Director Aspalila Ag Tuah said the two men were arrested after customs officers inspected a four-wheel-drive vehicle at the Labuan Vehicle Ferry Terminal on April 27.
The inspection uncovered 86 bottles of imported liquor of various brands concealed in a specially modified compartment beneath the vehicle’s rear floor.
“The liquor was believed transported from Labuan to Menumbok, Sabah, without a customs declaration and without payment of the required import duties,” she said in a statement.
According to the facts of the case, the accused were charged with bringing dutiable goods into the Principal Customs Area (Kawasan Utama Kastam, KUK) without complying with the procedures stipulated under the Customs Act 1967.
They were charged under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, and punished under Section 135(1)(ii) of the same Act.
The court imposed a fine of RM10,000 on each accused, with three months’ imprisonment in default of payment. As both men failed to pay the fines, they were ordered to serve the jail term.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered the forfeiture of the four-wheel-drive vehicle used in the smuggling attempt to JKDM under Section 127(1) of the Customs Act 1967.
The prosecution was conducted by JKDM Prosecuting Officer Said Hamid Said Idrus.
Meanwhile, Aspalila said JKDM would continue to strengthen enforcement and prosecution against individuals involved in smuggling activities or attempts to evade customs duties.
“Such offences not only violate the law but also result in losses to national revenue.
“All dutiable goods must be declared to JKDM, and the relevant duties must be paid before they are removed from Labuan,” she said.
She also reminded the public that failure to comply with the law could result in prosecution, fines, imprisonment, and the forfeiture of goods and vehicles used in committing the offence.
Members of the public with information on smuggling activities are urged to report it to JKDM to assist in combating smuggling and protecting national revenue.
