KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has raided several companies for suspected large-scale smuggling of tobacco, cigarettes and cigars, believed to have cost an estimated RM250mil in tax revenue over the past five years.
The operation, codenamed Ops Sikaro, was carried out by MACC’s Special Operations Division in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), Bank Negara Malaysia and the Customs Department.
MACC Special Operations senior director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin confirmed the raids, saying that they targeted 14 locations across the Klang Valley and Johor.
Investigations are being conducted under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009 as well as Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
“MACC will not compromise with any party attempting to profit from corruption, money laundering and smuggling that causes significant losses to the nation,” he said in a statement.
