MMF CALLS ON GOV’T TO CLEAR ITS NAME OVER ILLEGAL ACT
Mr. Dausabea called the government to clear its name over an illegal cigarette import. Photo: SIBC
The Malaita Ma’asina Forum, MMF, has called on the government to clear its name on whether it has given approval to Oceanic Oasis company to print cigarette labels in Hong Kong for the illegal cigarettes recently imported into the country.
Custom officials have sized several containers of the illegal tobacco imported last year.
Speaking to the local media, MMF President Charles Dausabea said a shop keeper at the duty free shop has told them that they have the government’s approval to sell the cigarettes.
Recent media reports said the duty free shop at the International terminal is operated by Oceanic Oasis, the center of this controversial illegal cigarette import and sale.
However, Mr. Dausabea says information gathered warrants an explanation, adding that aiding illegal activities is ridiculous, especially for any government intelligence which failed to work.
“Information and the person operating the shop said that they’ve already had government’s approval. What government aided foreigners to breach the laws to continue with their illegal activities? Sad to say that they’ve given the International Airport for them, the duty free shop. That is ridiculous and is a failure on any government’s intelligence not working”.
He said the government should find a way to assist those who are trying to make ends meet by selling betel nut on the streets, just like they did by aiding the illegal cigarette import and sale.