MACC looking into Customs' alleged involvement in smuggling

The MACC is looking into the alleged involvement of certain Royal Malaysian Customs Department senior officers in the smuggling of cigarettes and alcohol.

"The MACC had last Friday asked that the customs department surrender the list of companies that have import licenses since 2017.

"The MACC will scrutinise the background of these companies before proceeding with further investigation," a MACC source told Malaysiakini.

Last Friday, Malaysiakini reported about a new smuggling modus operandi, where shell companies with the alleged help of certain customs officials, obtain licences to import alcohol and cigarettes to duty-free zones in the country.

This was on the premise that the imported goods will then be re-exported overseas.

However, the duty-free items are subsequently smuggled into the Malaysian market, depriving the country of revenue.

The practice began after an amendment was made to the country's importation rules in 2017.

Royal Malaysian Customs Department acting director Paddy Abhd Halim has denied the allegation. - Mkini