12,500 Customs officers to receive special ‘reward’

PUTRAJAYA: About 12,500 Customs officers can expect to receive a special allowance amounting to half of their monthly salary.

The incentive is given in recognition of the Customs Department’s achievements, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said.

“Last year, the department performed way ahead of its previous achievements, hence we decided to offer this incentive,” he added.

An announcement would be made later on when the allowance would be given out, Ahmad Husni said at the World Customs Day 2013 celebrations here yesterday.

Deputy Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said the department had collected at least RM32.3bil in taxes last year, or 6.5% more than the preceding year.

“We are proud of this collection by the department and we hope that all government agencies will continue to work harder as the amount collected will be used for the country’s development,” Lim said in a press conference.

Customs director-general Datuk Seri Khazali Ahmad thanked the Government for the half-month salary incentive.

“This will further motivate all Customs staff to intensify its enforcement efforts as well to work towards our target of achieving a RM34bil collection this year.

“Enforcement is our core business and we will work hard to ensure that there are no (avenue for) leaks, such as in smuggling attempts,” said Khazali.

He also reminded companies to file their sales and service tax returns by the stipulated date.

“Companies that do not comply with the requirements of the tax returns may be charged in court,” Khazali warned.

Offenders can be fined up to RM5,000 or three years’ imprisonment for failure to submit sales tax returns and a fine of up to RM5,000 or two years’ jail for failing to submit service tax returns.