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18th July, 2012
TAWAU: Sabah Customs have set up a special squad to monitor the smuggling of controlled and subsidized items.
The unit will be addressing the serious smuggling activities which are occurring in the East Coast, its deputy director Hamzah Sundang said.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, he said the unit would combat the smugglers by carrying out integrated operations and stings to clamp down on the smugglers, whose activities are causing the government to lose millions of ringgit every year.
According to him, the department has identified the hot spots used by smugglers and would work together with other authorities including police and Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency to address the problem.
He said the special squad would monitor individuals and companies which are selling these commodities.
While many are carrying out their business according to regulations, some are said to be selling to parties who would sell these controlled items to neighbouring countries.
Hamzah said the department is serious in addressing the problem and would continue with the effort to educate the public and traders.
While enforcement is important, he said the public could help the department by providing valuable information on smuggling activities.
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