SIBU: From the beginning of this year up to May 22, taxes totalling RM1.173 billion have been collected by the Customs Department in the state.
This was revealed by Customs Department deputy director general (Enforcement and Compliance) Datuk Matrang Suhaili, who said more than 60 per cent of the taxes collected was from Goods and Services Tax (GST).
“Local GST collection at RM814.5 million is the biggest contributor to the overall Sarawak Customs Department tax collection while import GST at RM241.744 million is second biggest.
“The third biggest collection is from export duty (RM48.675 million) while import duty at RM29.555 million is the fourth largest contributor.
“Excise duties on imported goods contributed RM29.268 million, local excise duty contributed RM3.843 million and the rest are non-tax revenues and state revenue,” he told a press conference at Sibu Gateway here yesterday.
Earlier, Matrang officiated at the launching of Op Pacak to combat contraband cigarettes which will run from May 26 to June 8.
He said the Enforcement Division of Sarawak Customs Department had seized contraband goods valued at RM1.374 million from January to April this year, a drop of 16 per cent compared to RM1.646 million recorded within the same period last year.
“However, the tax value of goods seized in the first four months of this year increased by 129 per cent to RM9.712 million from RM4.227 million recorded within the same period last year,” he said.
He added that in the first four months of this year, Customs recorded 220 various offences under Customs Act 1967.
“A total of 89 persons were charged in court and found guilty for selling and distributing smuggled cigarettes,” he said.
Also present at the launching of Op Pacak were Sarawak Customs Department director Datuk Dayang Fatimah Johari and Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) president Hu Yu Siong.
