SEPANG: Its deputy director-general (enforcement) Datuk Azimah Abd Hamid said they confiscated 20.4 tonnes of firecrackers and fireworks worth RM825,714 – including RM462,399 in unpaid tax – during the operation codenamed “Ops Krismas”.
"(We believe) that the goods were brought in from China to be sold in the Klang Valley, likely for the Chinese New Year celebration next year.
"We also seized 1,225 litres of various liquor brands worth RM17,133.60, with RM70,697.05 of unpaid duty tax," Azimah said at a press conference at the department's headquarters here on Tuesday.
A 25-year-old Bangladeshi storekeeper was also arrested for further investigations, she added.
"We are probing the case under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries a maximum jail sentence of three years, and a fine of not less than 10 times the value of the goods seized.
"For the unpaid tax, the perpetrator can be fined not less than two times the value of the goods or RM10,000, whichever is greater," she added.
Azimah said the department is seeking the cooperation of the public to report information on smuggling activities via its toll-free number 1-800-888855.
"We assure (the public) that the identity of every informant will be kept confidential and that they will be rewarded in cash for information provided," she added.