TAWAU: A local man, in his 30s, was fined RM45,000 for having in his possession 37 boxes of fireworks worth RM9,075 with unpaid tax of RM5,898.70 by the Malaysian Customs Department, which is also the first case in the state involving prohibited goods.
Customs deputy director, Yunos Tahir, said the man was charged under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act for possession of prohibited goods and fined accordingly, which he paid.
In a press conference here the other day, Yunos disclosed that Customs officers, acting on information, raided a warehouse that stored iron products and detained a man believed to be the warehouse owner and seized 605 kilograms of fireworks believed to have been smuggled in from China.
Yunos congratulated Tawau Customs department for being proactive and one step ahead in tackling challenges to the department.
Yunos also reminded the public that it is an offence to own, sell and ignite fireworks and that the department is continuing with the ‘Ops Letup’ together with the police until after the Chinese New Year.
He added that ‘Ops Letup’ was launched three years ago and had shown its effectiveness.
He called on members of the public to channel information so the department can take action against any individuals or companies that keep or possess fireworks.
