In the Star,

Smokers of smuggled cigarettes to face hefty fines News Update by Kuldeep S. Jessy of The Star BAGAN DATOH: Smokers of smuggled cigarettes could be fined RM100 per packet from Aug 1, under a new move of the Customs Department to combat the illegal import of the contraband. "We are losing about RM1.1 bil in unpaid duty yearly. If there is no demand, there will be no supply. We are going all out to stop the smuggling of cigarettes into the country," he said Friday. Smokers of smuggled cigarettes would be fined RM100 for each box for the first offence. The fine would be RM2, 000 per packet a second offence. They would be charged in court if they commit the offence for a third time and could face higher fines and jailed for up to two years.

Once again the authorities are barking up the wrong tree. To fine smokers of smuggled cigarrettes in my opinion is an obviously futile effort. First and foremost, the authorities cannot even enforce "no smoking" zones. Now, they would like to penalise smokers of smuggled cigarrettes? How are they to trace these smokers? Think about it.

They should nab the vendor first for buying smuggled goods. How is the consumer to know which is smuggled and which is otherwise? And who on earth is going to enforce this rule? The Customs Department? I think they certainly do have more important tasks than this, don't they?

This rule is certainly going to be a futile exercise. It does not take a nuclear scientist to figure that out. Why make the statement in the first place? This again points to the inexperience and immaturity of those holding high positions?

There is certainly no surprise that these absurdities keep creeping up considering the way the Government promotes its staff. It is not based on merit and skill but seniority. One can not do any work but stay in the Government for ages and still get promoted. Not to mention the now seemingly worthless titles accorded by our royalties.