Latest news with #RM60
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Cigarette smuggling syndicate busted using abandoned building as storage facility
SEPANG: The Customs Department has uncovered a smuggling syndicate that used a dilapidated and seemingly abandoned building as a storage facility for contraband cigarettes. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Customs director Zulkifli Muhammad said the syndicate's modus operandi was uncovered following a raid on May 22 at a dilapidated building near a residential area in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. He said the abandoned building had been used as a storage facility for smuggled white cigarettes in an attempt to evade detection by authorities, with the structure, in its run-down condition, appeared unsuspicious and would typically go unnoticed. "Following the raid, nearly 1.9 million sticks of cigarettes of various brands and 377kg of tobacco, with the total market value, including duties and taxes, estimated at over RM1.56 million were seized," he said in a press conference today. He said efforts were underway to trace the owner of the premises to assist in the investigation, which is being conducted under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. Meanwhile, Zulkifli also revealed that Customs had successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 62,000 litres of nicotine-laced electronic cigarette liquid during an operation at the premises of an air cargo terminal operator in the KLIA Free Trade Zone on April 28. He said the syndicate had attempted to deceive authorities by falsely declaring the product as disposable electronic cigarettes, which do not require an import licence from the Health Ministry. "Nicotine is classified as a prohibited item under Item 4, Schedule II, Part I of the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2023, and its importation is only allowed with a valid licence from the MOH. "The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM334,000, with duties and taxes amounting to RM60,680," he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Regulation 30 (1) of the Free Zone Regulations 1991. – Bernama
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Cigarette smuggling syndicate busted using abandoned building as storage facility
SEPANG: The Customs Department has uncovered a smuggling syndicate that used a dilapidated and seemingly abandoned building as a storage facility for contraband cigarettes. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Customs director Zulkifli Muhammad said the syndicate's modus operandi was uncovered following a raid on May 22 at a dilapidated building near a residential area in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. He said the abandoned building had been used as a storage facility for smuggled white cigarettes in an attempt to evade detection by authorities, with the structure, in its run-down condition, appeared unsuspicious and would typically go unnoticed. 'Following the raid, nearly 1.9 million sticks of cigarettes of various brands and 377 kilogrammes of tobacco, with the total market value, including duties and taxes, estimated at over RM1.56 million were seized,' he said in a press conference today. He said efforts were underway to trace the owner of the premises to assist in the investigation, which is being conducted under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. Meanwhile, Zulkifli also revealed that Customs had successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 62,000 litres of nicotine-laced electronic cigarette liquid during an operation at the premises of an air cargo terminal operator in the KLIA Free Trade Zone on April 28. He said the syndicate had attempted to deceive authorities by falsely declaring the product as disposable electronic cigarettes, which do not require an import licence from the Ministry of Health (MOH). 'Nicotine is classified as a prohibited item under Item 4, Schedule II, Part I of the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2023, and its importation is only allowed with a valid licence from the MOH. 'The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM334,000, with duties and taxes amounting to RM60,680,' he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Regulation 30 (1) of the Free Zone Regulations 1991.
Barnama
a day ago
- Barnama
Cigarette Smuggling Syndicate Busted Using Abandoned Building As Storage Facility
SEPANG, June 19 (Bernama) -- The Customs Department has uncovered a smuggling syndicate that used a dilapidated and seemingly abandoned building as a storage facility for contraband cigarettes. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Customs director Zulkifli Muhammad said the syndicate's modus operandi was uncovered following a raid on May 22 at a dilapidated building near a residential area in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. He said the abandoned building had been used as a storage facility for smuggled white cigarettes in an attempt to evade detection by authorities, with the structure, in its run-down condition, appeared unsuspicious and would typically go unnoticed. 'Following the raid, nearly 1.9 million sticks of cigarettes of various brands and 377 kilogrammes of tobacco, with the total market value, including duties and taxes, estimated at over RM1.56 million were seized,' he said in a press conference today. He said efforts were underway to trace the owner of the premises to assist in the investigation, which is being conducted under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. Meanwhile, Zulkifli also revealed that Customs had successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 62,000 litres of nicotine-laced electronic cigarette liquid during an operation at the premises of an air cargo terminal operator in the KLIA Free Trade Zone on April 28. He said the syndicate had attempted to deceive authorities by falsely declaring the product as disposable electronic cigarettes, which do not require an import licence from the Ministry of Health (MOH). 'Nicotine is classified as a prohibited item under Item 4, Schedule II, Part I of the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2023, and its importation is only allowed with a valid licence from the MOH. 'The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM334,000, with duties and taxes amounting to RM60,680,' he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Regulation 30 (1) of the Free Zone Regulations 1991.
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt will provide detailed explanation on SST amendments, says Anwar
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The government will provide a more detailed explanation regarding the implementation of the review and expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) scope, which will take effect on July 1. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government acknowledges that there has been confusion regarding the implementation, but gave assurances that the government's initiatives will not burden the lower-income group or the M40. 'We will give an explanation. Sometimes, general statements such as saying bananas will be subjected to SST cause confusion. Actually, it refers to imported bananas. 'But I agree, we need to clarify this because what is important is that we do not want to burden the lower-income group or the M40,' he added. Anwar said this in a press conference after attending a closed door meeting with Johor PKR leaders and members at a shopping mall in Medini here on Thursday (June 19). He added that some have argued that even the poor consume imported fruits, but it was something the government can address including making one or two changes. Anwar said that tax was not something simple where there were some that did not want to pay but it would be a problem as the government wants to improve schools, the poor and public hospitals. 'Our public hospitals are full and the condition of schools in our country are quite bad so we have to think where the government can get funds for it. 'That is we want to tax the high income group and foreigners, which is why imported fruits will be taxed. Even those that are paying private school fees between RM10,000 and RM20,000 would not be taxed. 'But those that are paying private school fees above RM60,000 a year, which they can afford, please pay a little bit for tax,' he said. Anwar also said that the government would not increase the RON95 price despite the ongoing tension between Iran and Israel at the moment. He attributed the recent increase in global oil prices to sudden changes in the international market, despite prices previously remaining at relatively low levels. Anwar said that fluctuations in oil prices are a common occurrence, but the latest spike was particularly abrupt, triggered by the recent Israeli military assault on Iran. 'Oil prices go up and down. Previously, prices were low, but the increase this time has been quite sharp. 'This hike is partly due to increased demand and contributes to national revenue. However, we are not raising domestic fuel prices.' He stressed that there would be no immediate changes to domestic oil prices, adding that any future adjustments would be made carefully, taking into account the needs and financial capacity of the people.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DAP Sarawak chief vows to keep fighting to clear Michael Kong's name after court setback
Chong also appealed for public support, saying any form of encouragement for Kong would be sincerely appreciated by those who believe in the principles underpinning the case. KUCHING (June 18): Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen today affirmed that efforts to clear Michael Kong Feng Nian's name will continue. This follows the Court of Appeal's dismissal of Kong's application for a stay of execution in a defamation suit filed by Datuk Richard Wee Liang Chiat. The Court of Appeal rejected Kong's application to stay the High Court's judgement, which had ordered him to pay RM250,000 (RM200,000 in damages and RM50,000 in legal costs) to Wee for defaming him in a Facebook post dated July 21, 2020. The appellate court's decision upholds the High Court ruling delivered on Jan 26, 2024. The judgment also includes a 5 per cent annual interest on the damages, calculated from the date of publication until full settlement. Chong in a statement said with today's ruling, Kong must now pay the RM200,000 judgment sum, accrued interests and a total of RM60,000 in costs—bringing the financial burden to about RM310,000. 'While it is deeply regrettable that such a hefty amount must be paid before the Court of Appeal hears and decides on the merits of the appeal, we must nevertheless respect and comply with the Court's decision,' he said. 'Kong's political struggle and legal battle alongside this journey has not been easy, but together with Kong, we remain steadfast in his conviction and will continue to pursue the appeal to clear his name.' Chong also appealed for public support, saying any form of encouragement for Kong would be sincerely appreciated by those who believe in the principles underpinning the case. Kong, who is Chong's special assistant, was represented in the legal proceedings by Chong himself along with his legal team. Chong Chieng Jen Court lead Michael Kong Richard Wee
