Janathan (second right) with Hamzah (third left), Azizul (right) and Rafizi (second left) inspecting the seized firecrackers and fireworks.
KOTA KINABALU: The State Customs Department seized numerous firecrackers and fireworks valued at RM50,000 during a raid at a double-storey terrace house in Kolombong here recently.
Its director, Janathan Kandok, said the raid was made around 11.30am on July 24 after the department received a tip-off.
“A 39-year-old local man has been detained to assist in our investigation,” he said at a press conference at the Customs headquarters here yesterday.
Janathan said initial investigation believed that the illegal firecrackers and fireworks, which were imported from a neighboring country, would be sold in the local market.
He said the case would be investigated under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries a fine of not more than 10 times the value of the seized items or a fine of RM50,000, and not less than 20 times the value of the seized items or a fine of RM100,000, or jail up to three years, if convicted.
Meanwhile, Janathan said in the first seven months of this year, the department had seized a total of RM230,000 worth of illegal firecrackers and fireworks from 18 cases.
“Investigation shows a decrease in demand for firecrackers and fireworks from the public with only 18 cases being reported this year with a seized value of RM230,000, as compared to the 79 cases reported last year with a seized valued at RM1.7 million,” he said.
Janathan added similar operations would be carried out by the department with assistance from the Royal Malaysia Police to curb the illegal activity, especially in Penampang, Papar and Tuaran.
Also present yesterday were Sabah Customs deputy director of enforcement and compliance Hamzah Sundang, DSP Nor Azizulkifli Mansor from the city police Crime Investigation Department and ASP Che Rafizi Che Ramli from Penampang police.