KUALA LUMPUR: With almost four boxes out of a carton of cigarettes found to be contraband, the authorities are stepping up enforcement with joint action, including the immediate removal of business licences.
The latest round of Ops Pacak, which began on Monday, focuses on three “hot spots” in the city – Kampung Baru, Chow Kit and Keramat.
The operation, organised by the Customs Department, involves 127 personnel from participating agencies such as the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Immigration Department and Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry.
The large-scale Ops Pacak, which started in January last year, is aimed at increasing enforcement relating to the smuggling, distribution and selling of contraband cigarettes, liquor and other critical items.
At the launch of the six-day Kuala Lumpur level Ops Pacak yesterday, Customs Department deputy director-general (enforcement and compliance) Datuk Matrang Suhaili said the joint operation would see each agency enforcing its particular laws during raids.
“For example, Customs will act on those found to have smuggled cigarettes or other contraband, whereas DBKL personnel will go after those without licences and such,” said Matrang, adding that stricter enforcement was also aimed at deterring repeat offenders.
He said his department would propose jail sentences for those convicted in courts as opposed to fines.
DBKL Licensing and Petty Traders Management Department director Ibrahim Yusof said they would revoke licences of errant business operators.
“For example, when Customs reports elements of smuggled cigarettes (during checks), I will revoke the licence immediately. We will take stern action,” said Ibrahim.
According to Matrang, the current multi-agency operation would also see stronger enforcement of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act.
At press time, there were already 10 reported cases of various offences under the latest round of Ops Pacak.
Matrang said cigarette tax was the second biggest contributor to total taxes collected by the department, behind taxes imposed on cars.
Last year, the department collected RM3.66bil on cigarette taxes alone, he said, but added that billions in uncollected taxes were lost to contraband cigarettes and the like.
