Penghulus urged to raise awareness against smuggling

MORE than 400 cases of confiscation of alcoholic beverages being smuggled into the country were reported in 2007. This was disclosed during the Royal Customs and Excise Department roadshow informing the public about the newly enforced Customs Import Duties Order 2007 and Excise Duties Order 2007 yesterday at the Main Hall of the Municipal Community Hall Complex, Tutong.

A Senior Assistant Enforcer from the Prevention and Enforcement Section said yesterday that the department cannot deny the smuggling of alcoholic beverages particularly, due to the 'open' nature of Brunei Darussalam. The possibility of people from neighbouring countries bringing in such items still remain high as there were not sufficient number of officers to monitor the borders. He said alcoholic beverages were confiscated at control posts, rivers and hidden 'mouse trails'.

However, he assured that incidence of people travelling to neighbouring countries and bringing permitted two bottles and 12 cans of alcoholic beverages have reduced since the issuance of the new permit, which stipulates that one can only avail of this facility once in 48 hours.

One of those invited to the briefing highlighted that duties or taxes could still be evaded by unscrupulous individuals that smuggle items such as cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages into the country. Penghulus and village heads were then advised to act as the 'tongue' of their respective villages by informing the authorities in combating smuggling.

About 30 penghulus and village heads of the Tutong district were given the opportunity to voice out their concerns during the roadshow.

Assistant Controller of Customs, Ali Rahman Hj Tassim briefed those present about the roles and functions of the Royal Customs and Excise Department before touching on the two new orders that were announced on December 31, 2007 and came into effect from the January 1, 2008.

The panel consisted of the senior Superintendent of Customs, Acting Assistant Controller of Customs, Acting Deputy Controller of Customs and the Ministry of Finance's Special Tasks Officer of Internal Revenue. Chairing the panel was the Ministry of Finance's Permanent Secretary, Dato Paduka Hj Metassan Momin.

Those present were quick to understand that the orders were put into place to comply with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) standards as well as part of the sultanate's commitment in Asean to facilitate Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) within the region ad well as with Asean's dialogue partners. The reduction of taxes regionally and internationally would be balanced with the levied Customs Import Duties and Excise Duties so as to maintain internal revenue.

Another issue raised regarding exemptions to the new orders was clarified by the Acting Deputy Controller of the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Hj Zulkifli Panglima Asgar Hj Abdullah. Previously, ministries and government departments were exempted from having import taxes levied so long as an authority can state that the items brought into the country would specifically be only for the respective ministry or department's use. Under the new orders, only three categories are exempted from the duties; His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, High Commissioners and Ambassadors, and officers of full diplomatic status on the staff of High Commissioners and Ambassadors.

Hj Zulkifli said that the penghulu and village heads were invited in order to inform them about the enforcement of the two orders.

The panel suggested that one of the ways they can relay the information through sessions and gatherings with residents.

The Brunei Times