More scanners at entry points

BUTTERWORTH: The government will install 69 scanners, worth RM700 million, at all entry points by the end of next year to curb smuggling.

Some 55 cargo scanners, worth RM12 million each, will be installed at all ports and entry points, while eight baggage scanners and six body scanners will be installed at selected airports nationwide.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the move was vital as Malaysia suffered losses of about RM5 billion in taxes due to smuggling, largely from cigarettes.

He said the ministry would be calling for a Request for Proposal soon and that the exercise would be conducted through an open tender.

“We must have these scanners in place by the end of next year to clip the wings of these smugglers and smuggling.

“These scanners can detect cargoes coming into our country.

“The RM5 billion in losses is a huge amount and we have to put a stop to it,” he said here yesterday.

Lim said the government would implement the project at the lowest cost possible.

“We may even look at leasing options.”

In a related development, he said Parliament recently passed a law for stiffer punishment against cigarette smuggling.

“If convicted, offenders are liable to a jail term of between six months and five years, and a fine of between RM100,000 and RM500,000.”