Customs enforces ban on betel nut, alcohol, drugs

The PNG Customs board has imposed zero tolerance on alcohol, betel nut and drugs in the workplace.
Chief Commissioner Ray Paul announced the board’s decision last Friday during the visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Able to the Customs offices.
Paul said as of today a memo would be issued and a month later all employees would sign the zero tolerance policy.
“If anyone is caught, they will be terminated. We were now living up to the general orders and we are putting our feet down on this to make sure that everyone complies.
“It will be challenging but I want all to see it as a positive step in the right direction to think as one and to get things delivered.”
Paul said since moving out of the Internal Revenue Commission in 2013 they have maintained a strong stand to be independent.
He said there were about 300 workers around the country with about 100 based in Port Moresby.
Paul said their strategic plan for the past five years would lapse at the end of this year and they were now working on the new plan.
“We will invite the minister to launch the strategic plan and kick start it next year. It will go in line with the 100-day plan and we are already working to ensure our part of the business works. Our manpower has been our strength and we were able to achieve the level of output, and the contribution by our officers has improved,” Paul said.
“We have a lot of challenges, we are not perfect but we are much better now than five years ago.”
He said PNG Customs was continuing to invest in human resource development with about 90 per cent of their officers attaining tertiary qualifications.