MACC task force to probe failed ‘uCustoms’ fiasco

PUTRAJAYA: The anti-graft agency has assigned its number two in command to lead a task force to investigate the Customs Department’s failed project fiasco.

The team is to start work immediately to probe the millions of ringgit that have been paid by the department for the uCustoms online system that is not functioning, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki.

“I have directed the team, led by MACC deputy commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahya, to work on the case immediately.

“The team will be meeting officials from the Auditor-General’s office as well as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to get hold of reports and documents (today) so we can begin the probe,” he said.

On whether Customs officials would be called up, Azam said that would be decided after reviewing the Auditor-General report.

“The officers will have to study the documents to determine who needs to be questioned.

Probe begins: Ahmad Khusairi (left) and Azam Baki

“The immediate investigation into the case reflects our commitment to investigate issues raised by the PAC and the Auditor-General,” he said.

Parliament’s PAC chairman Wong Kah Woh, when commenting on the payment of RM272.9mil by the Customs Department for a failed project, said the MACC should be aggressive and view issues raised by the AG report categorised as punitive seriously.

Wong said the PAC will meet to discuss the findings of the AG’s report next month to begin proceedings to haul up the appropriate departments for inquiry. This, he said, included the Ministry of Finance and Customs Department with regard to the uCustom project.

Wong said any investigations by the MACC into the project will not jeopardise the PAC inquiry into the issue later this year.