BUTTERWORTH: The government will install 69 scanners, worth RM700 million, at all entry points by the end of next year to curb smuggling activities.
Some 55 cargo scanners, worth RM12 million each, will be installed in all ports and entry points, while eight baggage scanners and six body scanners will be installed at selected airports nationwide.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the move was vital as Malaysia has suffered losses of about RM5 billion in taxes due to the widespread smuggling activities, largely from cigarettes.
He said the ministry would be calling for a Request For Proposal (RFP) soon and that the exercise would be conducted through open tender.
“Come what may, we must have these scanners in place by end of next year to clip the wings of these smugglers and smuggling activities. These scanners are able to detect the cargoes coming into our country, without the need to even open the doors.
“The RM5 billion losses is a huge amount and we have to put a stop to it,” he said after launching the multipurpose hall at the Customs Department quarters here today.
Present was Customs Department director-general Datuk Seri Subromaniam Tholasy.
Lim said the government would also be looking at implementing the project at the lowest possible cost.
“We may even look at leasing option,” he added.
Lim, had in his maiden 2019 Budget speech in October, said the Customs Department would step up enforcement against cigarette smuggling.
In a related development, Lim said the Parliament had recently passed a law for stiffer punishment for cigarette smuggling.
“If convicted, offenders are liable to a jail term of between six months and five years and a fine of between RM100,000 and RM500,000.
“Once it has been gazetted next year, the new law will takes its course,” he said, adding that this would give the Customs "more meat" to act against the wrong-doers.
Lim said the new law follows pressure from various non-governmental organisations who wanted the issue to be addressed once and for all.
He also expressed confidence in the department's ability to carry out enforcement promptly.