ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Customs Department today refuted claims in an "old" video that it is not doing enough to prevent the smuggling of duty-free liquor from Forest City.
Johor Customs director Aminul Izmeer Mohd Sohaimi said the video, which was posted on a whistle-blower site, was taken way back in 2021.
The video — two minutes and 21 seconds long — showed several men carrying crates of beer from a duty-free store in Forest City to a basement car park.
It also showed a man outside the outlet giving cash to those buying the beer.
Under the law, a person can buy up to three crates of beer (24 cans per crate), five litres of liquor, and three cartons of cigarettes (200 sticks per carton) at duty-free prices.
Aminul Izmeer said the video tarnished the department's reputation.
"Custom officers are stationed in front of the duty-free shops to curb the smuggling of alcoholic beverages in Forest City," he said.
They have been conducting inspections since the two-storey Fisherman Wharf Island duty-free shops opened in 2018.
But Forest City's rapid development has resulted in numerous unauthorised entry and exit routes.
"We have uncovered these routes, and have raised our concerns with Forest City's management.
"Security has been bolstered through collaborative efforts, including patrols and installation of fences in high-risk areas.
"The entry and exit points are now solely manned by Custom officers," he said.
The 'New Straits Times' reported in January that the smuggling of duty-free alcoholic beverages and cigarettes out of Forest City had become rampant due to lack of enforcement.
The department responded by immediately stationing officers in front of the outlets.