(Bandar Seri Begawan, 22nd) A 63-year-old Malaysian man admitted to illegally possessing cigarettes at the Sungai Tujoh Customs Checkpoint and was fined $13,000.
The defendant, Lee Yaw Fat (transliteration), was arrested by customs officers at the Kuala Belait Sungai Tujoh Customs Checkpoint at 6:20am on June 18.
According to the Royal Customs and Excise Department, the case involved the defendant's illegal possession of 159 packs of cigarettes.
The defendant was charged in Kuala Belait Court on June 20, 2026 under Section 146(1)(d) of the 2006 Excise Act, which concerns possession of dutiable goods without valid authorization. The court sentenced the defendant to a $13,000 fine. If the fine is not paid, he will have to serve 13 months in prison.
The court also ordered the confiscated cigarettes to be forfeited and handed over to the government for disposal.
The defendant, Lee Yaw Fat (transliteration), was arrested by customs officers at the Kuala Belait Sungai Tujoh Customs Checkpoint at 6:20am on June 18.
According to the Royal Customs and Excise Department, the case involved the defendant's illegal possession of 159 packs of cigarettes.
The defendant was charged in Kuala Belait Court on June 20, 2026 under Section 146(1)(d) of the 2006 Excise Act, which concerns possession of dutiable goods without valid authorization. The court sentenced the defendant to a $13,000 fine. If the fine is not paid, he will have to serve 13 months in prison.
The court also ordered the confiscated cigarettes to be forfeited and handed over to the government for disposal.