Anwar disappointed at Customs corruption scandal, says graft menace must be stopped

PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister has expressed disappointment over the latest alleged power abuse and corruption cases detected among Customs personnel at KLIA Cargo, which is said to have caused up to RM2bil in losses to the government.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said although the case only involved a small section of the entire Customs Department, the losses were massive.

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“We are doing all we can to curb corruption and power abuse. Although we scored several wins, there are still cases which affect and sadden me, such as the one involving the Customs Department,” he said at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly gathering on Monday (April 1).

The Prime Minister said that corruption was a serious matter and all efforts must go towards stopping the menace and to put a cork on leakages.

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“Those who trivialise corruption should look at the amount of losses it causes. In this case, it is RM2bil.

“If we act on leakages, including due to smuggling of diesel and cooking oil, we can save billions of ringgit,” Anwar pointed out.

Over the past week, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had arrested 34 Customs officers assigned to KLIA Cargo in connection with smuggling activities, believed to have caused a leakage of RM2bil in the country’s revenue over the past two years.

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The suspects were arrested in a special operation code named Ops Samba 2.0 by the MACC, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Bank Negara.

Investigators believe that the officers had received RM4.7mil from the syndicate to facilitate the smuggling of chewable tobacco, cigarettes, liquor, health products and vehicle spare parts.