PORT KLANG: There is a proposal to amend Section 135(1) of the Customs’ Act 1967 to raise the fine to a minimum of RM100,000 for offences related to cigarettes or liquor. The amendment encompasses offences such as storing, transporting, distributing, hoarding, possessing and selling such contraband items.
Customs director-general T Subromaniam said the proposal was expected to be brought to Parliament in July. “This is part of the drastic measures by the Customs Department to combat cigarette and liquor smuggling in the country,” he told a media conference here today. “Upon conviction, the fine shall not be less than RM100,000 or 10 times the value of the duty or tax, whichever is higher,” he said.