PUTRAJAYA: The arrest of several Customs officers in connection with a vape smuggling syndicate should be a lesson and reminder to the civil service to always uphold integrity, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).
“I want to remind you that integrity and trust are the main pillars of the civil service.
“The incident where six Royal Malaysia Customs Department officers were allegedly involved with a vape smuggling syndicate at the KLIA Cargo Hub should serve as a reminder,” the Prime Minister said in his opening remarks at the 43rd World Customs Day celebration here on Monday (Feb 10).
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His speech was read out by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
In January, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) busted a vape smuggling syndicate at KLIA after arresting 14 suspects, including six Customs officers believed to have colluded in the illegal operation.
The syndicate was uncovered through Ops Airways, which led to the arrest of the male suspects, aged between 20 and 60, in raids around KLIA and Putrajaya.
Anwar urged the Customs Department to continue fostering integrity among its officers because Putrajaya would take stern action against corruption and abuse of power.
“No matter who the individual is, we should not tarnish the good name of the department and erode public trust in us,” he added.
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Anwar also praised the Customs Department for recording a revenue collection of RM65.57bil last year, the highest post-pandemic collection.
“This proves the department’s ability to contribute to economic growth,” he added.
In 2023, the Customs Department collected RM55.17bil.
