113 tonnes of fireworks seized since January: Customs DG

KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department have so far seized 113 tonnes of contraband fireworks and firecrackers since January.
Customs Department Director-General Datuk Seri Khazali Ahmad said the seizures from January to June this year is worth RM4 million.
"Special kind of expertise is needed in hunting these illegal firecrackers and fireworks manufacturers.
"We have intensified our checks and controls for the past two months due to the festive season ," he said after attending 'Jom Minta Resit GST' competition held in Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) here, today.
Khazali further stressed a police permit is needed for fireworks to be allowed into the country.
"These crooks resort to smuggle when they can't afford to pay 50% in duties and the 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST)," he said.
Meanwhile, Khazali also added that his department will be going after traders selling firecrackers online.
"Selling firecrackers online is a new trend and we are working closely with agencies such as the police to track them down," he said.
Anyone caught selling, keeping or playing firecrackers and fireworks will be charged under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which provides for a fine of up to 10 times the value of the seized items or not more than RM50,000, and not less than 20 times the value of the seized items or RM100,000, or up to three years jail.