Immigration, LHDN under close watch, warns PM

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the customs graft scandal hit close to home for him as the department is under the finance ministry.

PUTRAJAYA: The immigration department and Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) are among several agencies being tightly monitored following the revelation of corruption among customs department officers, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“This is a reminder to LHDN and the customs and immigration departments at the enforcement level. We are closely monitoring, and I really hope we can avoid such carelessness.

“(Systemic) leaks and outdated practices are still hurting the nation. The customs (scandal) really hurt my feelings because it is under the auspices of the finance minister,” Anwar, who holds the finance portfolio, said at the ministry’s monthly assembly.

Last week, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Azam Baki said Malaysia had lost around RM2 billion in taxes since 2017 to a smuggling syndicate operating at the KLIA Cargo terminal in Sepang.

Azam said 34 customs officers were detained from March 11 to 25 after being suspected of receiving more than RM4.7 million in bribes to allow undeclared imports and goods to enter the country without inspection.

The syndicate was believed to be involved in smuggling tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, health products and vehicle spare parts at the terminal.

Azam said that 27 people and company owners had also been arrested for protecting and facilitating the syndicate’s operations.

Meanwhile, Anwar also called on agency heads to take bold action and not to protect their officers, emulating customs director-general Anis Rizana Zainudin who took prompt action after wrongdoing among her staff was revealed.

“I congratulate the customs director-general for boldly taking stern action. There were risks (in her action) and anger, but such is the responsibility when you are the head.

“She acted immediately to replace and move (officers) and take disciplinary action against the groups involved. I am confident that the majority of people in the public service have integrity and love their country,” he said. - FMT