KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) will get 30 new scanning machines and 30 speedboats before December this year, said its director-general Datuk Abdul Latif Abdul Kadir.
He said these will be used to improve the department’s performance in carrying out its duties at the country’s gateways.
“The JKDM is currently waiting for 30 new machines to be delivered and installed here. At the same time, the current scanning machines which are outdated or spoilt will be replaced.
“At the same time, the JKDM will also be getting 30 speedboats which will be stationed throughout the country,” he told Bernama after appearing on the Ruang Bicara programme on Bernama TV last night.
Replying to a question, Abdul Latif said smuggling activities continued during the movement control order (MCO) period.
“This year alone, there have been more than 200 cases of cigarette and liquour smuggling so far. During the MCO period, the JKDM confiscated 40 containers of contraband cigarettes as well as 2.5 tonnes of drugs.
“Our data shows that everyday there are cases, charges and arrests being made. We cannot say for sure if the situation is better or worse during the MCO, but the number of cases keep increasing,” he said.
However, Abdul Latif added, the JKDM was always on the alert guarding the borders even during the MCO period. – Bernama
