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Saturday December 18, 2010
Customs’ record RM498mil haul
LUMUT: The Customs Department recorded the biggest success in its history this year with the seizure of goods worth RM498.31mil up to November. The amount is expected to increase to RM500mil by year-end, said its director-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Khalid Yusuf.
One of the biggest seizures was that of ceramic tiles worth RM119mil meant for export but were sold in the local market, he added. Among the other goods seized this year were contraband cigarettes worth RM86mil, drugs (RM42mil), vehicles (RM31mil), electrical appliances (RM17mil), communication devices (RM12mil) and firecrackers and fireworks (RM11mil).
“We have never reached this amount before and it is a meaningful achievement for the department and the country. “Last year, we managed to seize goods worth RM338.05mil and RM169.2mil in 2008,” Mohamed Khalid said after the official opening of the 16th Patkor Kastima Operation at the Kampung Aceh Customs marine jetty, here, yesterday.
The operation involves the Customs and Excise departments of Malaysia and Indonesia, which was represented by its director-general Thomas Sugijata at the ceremony. Five patrol vessels each, from Malaysia and Indonesia, are being used under the operation.
A total of 127 Customs personnel – 59 from Malaysia and 68 from Indonesia – are taking part in the three-phase operation from Dec 15 to 23. – Bernama
