MUAR, MALAYSIA: The Customs and Excise Department has deployed units all over the country to detect the smuggling and sale of banned firecrackers during the month of Ramadan.

Its director-general Datuk Sri Abdul Rahman Abdul Hamid said the units would have intelligence teams and they would also act on those possessing the items.

He said nationwide operations would be headed by the department's deputy director-general (preventive) Datuk Mardina Alwi.

"We are not only going after those involved in smuggling in the banned items but also those found selling or having firecrackers," he told reporters during a visit to the Customs office in Bakri here on Saturday.

There are only two types of firecrackers - "pop-pop" and "happy boom" - which are not banned.

Abdul Rahman said the people should not be surprised or afraid if Customs officers knocked on their doors to check their homes for the banned firecrackers.

He said the officers had the authority to check homes and those found in possession of the banned firecrackers could be charged with possessing the items.

On Budget 2009, Abdul Rahman said the Johor Customs Department had set up three hotlines for the people to inquire about tax-related matters.

The hotlines are 07-220 2201, 07-220 1203 and 07-220 2199.