SIBU, Nov 1: A mini-mart operator will be jailed for six months after he failed to pay a RM200,000 fine for possessing illegal alcohol.
Magistrate Mohd Syukri Mokhtar today fined the accused, Justino Lebun, 44, RM200,000 in default six months’ jail. Justino was also told to pay customs duty of RM793 or face two weeks’ imprisonment.
Justino was charged under Section 135 (1) (d)of the Custom Act 1967.
Based on the brief facts of the case, at about 10.25am on Aug 17 last year, a team of officers from the Royal Malaysia Customs in Sibu raided a mini-mart at Jalan Tutus, Panasu.
At the shop, the team was met by a man who claimed to be an employee. The employee later called up the operator of the shop to inform him of the presence of the enforcement officers.
A quick investigation of the premises by the officers found several cartons of beers of assorted brands. The alcohol was seized for investigation and safekeeping at the customs department office.
It was later discovered that Justino was the owner of the alcohol with a value of RM721 and import duty of RM2,396.
The accused failed to prove that customs duty on the beers had been paid for. There were also no tax stamp on the beer a requirement under Third Schedule (Part 2) Customs (Prohibition of Import) Order 2017. — DayakDaily
