KUCHING: The State Customs Department seized 219.6 kilogrammes of firecrackers worth RM15,176.67 with unpaid duties of RM5,595.24 in a statewide two-day operation codenamed “Ops Raya 2017” which began on 17 June, 2017
State Customs Director, Datin Sharifah Halimah Bt Tuanku Taha, in a statement issued yesterday, said the operation involved 80 enforcement officers who were divided into 15 different groups.
“The demand for firecrackers including fireworks is higher during festive seasons such as Hari Raya and Chinese New Year and to a certain extent, during the Gawai Dayak celebration.
“During the two-day operation, the department managed to nab 11 suspects in 21 cases whilst the rest of the cases were classified as ordinary seizures as the goods were either left unattended or just left at the five–foot ways.”
She added in some cases, the goods were seized from express buses with the owners, senders or receivers of the goods unknown.
Halimah, who took over as the State Customs Director recently, revealed that eight out of the 11 suspects had been compounded for a total amount of RM8,080.00 whilst the other three were still under investigation for the offence of possessing prohibited goods under section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
The Act provides for a fine of between 10 and 20 times the value of the goods for the first offence and not less than 20 times and up to 40 times the value of the goods for the second and subsequent offences if the suspect is brought to court.
“Firecrackers and fireworks are classified as prohibited goods under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2017.
“Their importations are subjected to import permits issued by the Commissioner of Police and the payment of respective Customs Duties under the Customs Duties Order,” she added.
Halimah also urged the public to report the selling and smuggling of prohibited or uncustomed goods by calling the department toll-free number or 1-300-888-500.
The public can also report to the nearest Customs Office.
Halimah assured that the identities of informers would be protected under the law.
