KUCHING: Sixty cartons of beer were confiscated by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department here during a raid on a shipping company on June 25.
State Customs director Datuk Sharifah Halimah Tuanku Taha revealed that the ‘Tsingtao 2000’ beer were found packaged in black plastic bags.
“From the information that we obtained, it is believed that the items were headed to areas within and outside Sibu.
“It is estimated that the items are worth RM1,963.61, including a total tax of RM5,898.76 and were brought to the Customs office for further investigation after being confiscated,” she said.
In another development, the Customs Department stumbled upon 200 cartons of beer that had not been cleared.
“The ‘Laoshan’ beer was intercepted in an attempt to deliver them using a ship to the Kapit and Song area on June 25,” said Sharifah.
“It is estimated that the items are worth RM7,199.91 with the full duty of RM23,763.23.
“The items are brought to the Customs office for further investigation after being confiscated. No arrests have been made at the time being,” she said.
“To all cigarette and alcoholic beverage consumers, please ensure the products that you are buying are legitimate. This is to make sure there are no illegal cigarettes and alcoholic beverages in the state.”
Sharifah urged the public to channel any information on the smuggling of items such as cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and fireworks at 1-800-88-8855.
The public can also lodge their complaints at http://aduan.customs.gov.my or to the nearest Customs office across the state.
The Customs also assures the public that the identity of informants is treated with strict confidentiality.
