HEAVIER PENALTY FOR SMUGGLING, SELLING FIRECRACKERS AND FIREWORKS

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- The Customs Department plans to take sterner
action against smuggling, distributing, selling, transporting, keeping and
possessing prohibited firecrackers and fireworks by bringing all cases straight
to the courts.

Its assistant director-general (enforcement) Ismail Ibrahim said the department
felt that this action was better than just imposing fines on the law-breakers.

"Court action is felt necessary to ensure that the offenders receive heavier
penalties and as a deterrent," he told reporters after launching 'Ops Raya'
2010, here, Wednesday.

Ismail, however, said that the department's proposed action would only be taken
based on strong evidence and adherence to the stipulated procedure before a case
would be brought to court.

He said from January until Tuesday, there were 141 reported cases involving
firecrackers and fireworks with the goods seized worth more than RM9 million and
duty amounting to over RM5.8 million.

On 'Ops Raya', Ismail said the operation which started Wednesday, included
issuing an alert directive to Customs offices nationwide and conducting
integrated raids, roadblocks, and land and sea patrols. (US$1=RM3.14)
-- BERNAMA



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