KUCHING, Nov 1 — The Sarawak Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) foiled an attempt to smuggle cigarettes and liquor declared as frozen shrimp after intercepting the shipment on the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway last Tuesday (October 22).
Sarawak JKDM director Norizan Yahya said they seized a 10-tonne bonded truck carrying 3.4 million cigarettes of various brands, suspected to be from a neighbouring country, along with 2,376 litres of suspected untaxed liquor. The estimated duties and taxes amount to RM3.15 million.
Speaking to the press at Kuching JKDM’s Enforcement Division today, he said a team from the Kuching Marine Unit intercepted the lorry at Jalan Kuching-Samarahan Expressway and detained the 40-year-old local driver.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967, adding that if convicted, the offender may face a fine of up to RM500,000, a jail term of up to five years, or both.
Norizan urged the public to assist JKDM in combatting the smuggling of cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs, vehicles, and other items.
— Bernama
