Over 17,000 Litres Of Fake Alcohol Have Been Seized Across Malaysia Within 2 Weeks
The Customs Department has also proposed for tougher laws against vendors caught selling fake alcohol.
By Jia Vern Tham — 03 Oct 2018, 07:14 PM
The Customs Department has proposed that those convicted of smuggling and selling counterfeit alcohol and cigarettes should be fined and caned
theSun reported Customs director-general Datuk Seri Subromaniam Tholasy as saying today, 3 October, that the department has suggested a RM100,000 fine and caning punishment on those convicted of selling illegal cigarettes of liquor.
"Once the law is amended, even if the person was only involved in the selling of only one bottle of liquor or one carton of cigarettes, they will have to pay a minimum fine of RM100,000," Subromaniam was quoted as saying by Malay Mail.
"We are confident the proposal will be brought to Parliament soon," he added.
The proposal came after Customs officers raided a factory in Cheras and seized 650 litres of fake alcohol on 28 September
The factory was involved in processing fake liquor, including those branded as Mandalay, Club 99 and Grand Royal.
Mandalay and Grand Royal were among the brands implicated in the methanol poisoning cases recently.
The syndicate in Cheras was caught with 650 litres of alcohol branded as 'The Sea Special Quality'.
Image via Malay Mail"We also found 650 litres of uncustomed 'The Seat Special Quality'-branded alcohol valued at about RM10,000," Subromaniam was quoted as saying by theSun.
He added that a local 60-year-old man was arrested in the raid and will be investigated under the Customs Act 1987, Excise Act 1976, and Law Reform (Eradication of Illicit Samsu) Act 1976.
The raid in Cheras was part of the Customs Department's 'Operasi Gempur'
Malay Mail reported that through the operation, which began on 21 September, the Customs Department has discovered and pulled contaminated alcohol off shelves nationwide.
A total of 1,063 raids have been conducted by the Customs Department so far, and 17,374 litres of fake alcohol have been seized.