PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia can recover more than RM15.5bil following a crackdown on leakages in the past two years, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“All agencies must be up for the challenge when it comes to retrieving lost funds,” the Prime Minister said.
“These are the rakyat’s rights; one that was stolen due to our system which still has weaknesses, where some look for opportunities resulting in leakages and funds lost,” he said.
Speaking at the 44th World Customs Day celebration, Anwar however said the achievements are not something that should be played down.
He attributed the haul to efforts by agencies such as the Customs Department, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police, among others.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia must not remain complacent with its achievements and should always find ways to improve.
While expressing pride at the country’s progress, Anwar said this reminder serves as a motivator to ensure Malaysia’s continuous success.
“We want better efficiency alongside individuals who practise integrity. These are things easy to say but not as easy to put into practice,” he added.
Anwar said that everyone must come on board and put efforts towards guaranteeing a better future.
“There are positive signs all around, but we must know that this alone is not enough to uplift the people,” he said.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the Customs Department on its achievements.
“The department must improve capability and integrity to ensure the country’s position remains strong and achieve more encouraging revenue collection,” he said.
Meanwhile, Customs director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said RM76.18bil was collected last year, its highest since the Covid-19 pandemic.
She said this exceeded the initial target of RM67.25bil set by the Finance Ministry as well as the Fiscal Outlook and Federal Government’s Revenue Estimates.
The figures, she said, made up an additional RM8.93bil, putting the final collection figure at 113% when compared to the initial target.
