KUALA LUMPUR – A Singaporean is believed to be the mastermind behind a Port Klang smuggling syndicate that garnered about RM3.5 billion in lost tax revenue.
According to a source, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has identified the foreigner, who is currently on an overseas vacation with his family.
The syndicate was busted during an operation yesterday evening at several locations around Port Klang, in which MACC arrested five men and two women.
The suspects, comprising an enforcement agency officer, a company director and three company employees, were ordered to be remanded for three days by magistrate Irza Zulaikah Rohanuddin at the Putrajaya magistrates’ court today.
The source also said MACC had frozen nine bank accounts belonging to the company and the suspects to aid investigations.
“The syndicate is believed to have made false declarations in customs forms to evade paying taxes and import permits for goods that required import permits from several agencies, such as the Energy Commission and the Malaysian quarantine and inspection services department,” the source said.
The source added that the graft busters had seized 19 containers, estimated to be worth around RM10 million, including taxes, containing various imported goods, during a joint operation with the customs department on Wednesday.
Five of the containers contained various types of dutiable goods, such as LED and solar lights, as well as canned pork products.
The containers, however, were declared to be transporting imported goods such as wheelchairs and textiles to avoid paying taxes.
MACC deputy chief commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the ongoing probe, noting that the case is being investigated under Section 17(b) and Section 16(a) of the MACC Act 2009.
He added that MACC is also looking into the incident under the Anti-Money Launder, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (Amla) 2001. – June 7, 2024