Under-declaring of goods, too: MP

Daily Express

Kota Kinabalu: Importing of under-declared goods is also commonplace in Sabah, said Penampang MP Donald P. Mojuntin.

He said in this context such illegal goings-on were not confined to the easy availability of smuggled Sepuluh Tiga beer in the State.

"It's pathetic that it is happening right under the nose of Customs officials," said Donald, adding that "Sepuluh Tiga" beer had been available for years.
The Government loses millions of ringgit in import duty revenue as a result of such smuggling and under-declaring of goods, he said.

According to Donald, under-declaring of goods largely has to do with goods imported from Indonesia, such as polypropylene fabric or bags and furniture from China.

He said this following comments by Sepanggar MP, Eric Majimbun, on Cash President Datuk Patrick Sindu's claims about the Sepuluh Tiga problem.
"I agree with Datuk Patrick Sindu and Eric Majimbun that Sepuluh Tiga beer is widely sold at most of the pubs and karaoke outlets especially in the West Coast," said Donald.

Towards this end, he felt someone in authority may be offering safe passage to such goings-on, arguing that otherwise Sepuluh Tiga beer would not be sold so openly.

Donald said the same goes to smuggled cigarettes which are flooding the market.

He, meanwhile, agreed with State Customs Director Datuk Dr Hassan Arshad that he would not compromise with officers who collaborate with smugglers.
He added that as long as there is black sheep in the Customs Department, smuggling and under-declaring of goods would never be checked.

Donald also reminded Hassan to go down to the ground and find out for himself the truth behind Patrick's allegation.

"We don't mind accompanying Hassan and showing him where the Sepuluh Tiga is being sold openly," Donald added.