KENINGAU: The Bingkor Community Welfare Association expressed full support for a proposal by Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Fairuz Renddan to carry out an integrated operation involving various enforcement agencies to curb the sale of smuggled cigarettes in the State.
Its Chairman Yazid bin Mohd Hasnan Tawik @ Charles
(pic) said the proposal should be implemented by the authorities to tackle the persistent and increasingly widespread activity occurring in districts across the state.
He said the sale of smuggled cigarettes not only violates the law but also affects national revenue and encourages illegal economic activities that could undermine the enforcement system and public order.
Commenting on an incident in which an enforcement officer was assaulted while carrying out his duties in Sandakan, Yazid described the act as uncivilised and unacceptable in a sovereign country governed by the rule of law.
“Attacking a public servant who is performing enforcement duties is a serious offence that challenges the authority of the law. Firm action must be taken to ensure such incidents do not recur,” he said.
Hence, Yazid said the integrated operations involving the Police, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living should be carried out comprehensively and continuously to break the network of smuggled cigarette sales in Sabah.
He urged the public, including grassroots leaders, not to remain silent but to assist authorities by providing information on smuggled cigarette sales activities taking place in their respective areas.
“This issue is not merely about enforcement, but about the integrity of the law and the safety of the community. All parties must stand together in rejecting this illegal activity,” he said.
He hoped that stricter and more coordinated enforcement actions would serve as a clear reminder that Sabah would not compromise with any party involved in illegal activities.
Meanwhile, a Daily Express survey showed that Keningau has also become a hotspot for the sale of smuggled (illegal) cigarettes, mostly carried out by foreigners.
They conduct these illegal activities in public areas such as outside several supermarket premises and along shop walkways in the town, including the Keningau night market area.
They are also known to discreetly sell smuggled cigarettes at weekly “tamu” markets in districts across the Interior region.
