SUNGAI PETANI: The Customs Department has been instructed to prepare a complete and detailed report on the seizure of 336kg of heroin worth RM789.56mil in a shipping container that was smuggled out from Malaysia to Brisbane.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he wanted the report presented to him in two weeks, aimed at discovering how and why it happened, which he described as a national humiliation.
"If proven that it was really smuggled out of Port Klang Selangor, the question is how such a huge amount could get past such a complex system.
"So I have asked the Customs, which is responsible, to provide a full report on how and why it happened, after ‘12, 16 times’ till they were caught in Australia, as it shows the weaknesses in our system that we need to address,” he said during his speech at an iftar event at the Home Ministry here today (April 14).
He added that he had instructed the Criminal Investigation Department and the Commercial Crimes Investigation Department to assist investigations and ensure that such smuggling activities could be curbed.
Smuggling was not a small matter and the focus should not only be about the large amount of drugs or its value in millions, but the weaknesses in the national security system, the Prime Minister said.
"When we talk about good governance, fighting corruption and power abuse, things like these still happen. That’s why we cannot compromise, we have to take stern action against criminals,” he said.
The 336kg heroin was stashed in two 500kg concrete blocks and checks revealed that the shipment was declared as solar panel accessories and arrived in Brisbane Port from Malaysia on March 13.
Anwar also conveyed his appreciation to security and enforcement teams under the Home Ministry, along with the Malaysian Armed Forces who play such important roles in ensuring national security.
"It’s true that we have recorded growth, it’s true we have held independent elections, it’s true we live comfortably, but let’s not forget the peace we enjoy and the role of the police and the security teams in maintaining it,” he said.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani were also present at the event. - Bernama
