3 days ago
Kelantan JKDM Seizes Chewing Tobacco Worth Over RM600,000 Including Taxes
PASIR MAS, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan branch of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) thwarted an attempt to distribute various brands of chewing tobacco worth over RM626,000 including taxes in an operation at Kampung Kukang, Kadok near Kota Bharu recently.
Its director, Wan Jamal Abdul Salam Wan Long said that in a raid at approximately 4.30 am on Aug 4, a JKDM team from the Rantau Panjang enforcement branch, in collaboration with the Eastern Intelligence Zone through 'Operation Macan Legit II', seized six vehicles: a three-tonne Isuzu lorry and five Pajero four-wheel-drive vehicles.
"The inspection of these vehicles found 122 boxes of chewing tobacco, weighing 2,587.5 kilogrammes (kg), believed to have been illegally imported through 'rat lanes' at the border," he told reporters here today.
The value of the chewing tobacco seizure is estimated at RM59,512.50, while the total value of the seizure, including vehicles, amounted to RM474,512.50, with total taxes involved at RM151,536.93," he told reporters at a press conference here today.
He said all the goods were believed to be for the Klang Valley market, specifically for use by local consumers and workers from Myanmar, Nepal and Bangladesh.
He said a 29-year-old man, the lorry driver, was also arrested to assist in the investigation under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967.
"If offenders are found guilty, they can be fined not less than 10 times the amount of the Customs duty or RM100,000, whichever is greater, and not exceeding 20 times the amount of the Customs duty or RM500,000, or imprisonment for a term of between six months and five years, or both," he also said.
Wan Jamal Abdul Salam also urged the public to provide information regarding any smuggling activities through the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office, with the assurance that the informant's identity will be kept confidential.
"Smuggling not only causes a loss of state revenue but can also threaten the safety and well-being of the people," he added.
