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Customs dept denies DG interfered in S’wak vehicle smuggling case

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Customs Department Denies Claims of Director-General’s Involvement in Luxury Vehicle Smuggling Syndicate

PUTRAJAYA: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has denied claims that its Director-General, Anis Rizana Zainudin, had interfered in an investigation and arrests involving a luxury vehicle smuggling syndicate in Sarawak.

Denial of Involvement

Customs deputy director-general (enforcement and compliance) Ribuan Abdullah stated that Section XII of the Customs Act 1967 ensures department enforcement officers can execute their duties without interference from any party. "Thus, the customs department strongly denies any involvement by the director-general in the arrests and investigation regarding the seized vehicles. This matter falls clearly under the jurisdiction of the enforcement division led by the Sarawak customs director," he said.

Ribuan also clarified that the director-general has never interfered in enforcement activities or the detention of vehicles. He was responding to allegations circulating on social media that Anis had provided special treatment to a syndicate involved in the seizure of 10 luxury vehicles of various brands, estimated to be worth over RM8.12 million, by the Sarawak customs department.

Enforcement Action Under Section 114 of the Customs Act 1967

Ribuan commented on the seizures by the Sarawak customs department, stating that the enforcement action on the luxury vehicles and their owners was executed under Section 114 of the Customs Act 1967. This section empowers customs officers to seize any goods if there is reasonable suspicion of an offence under the Act or its regulations.

"The decision to proceed with legal action, whether it be prosecution or the release of the vehicles, falls under the authority of the prosecutor, as outlined in Section 379 of the Criminal Procedure Code," he said.

Sarawak Customs Department’s Efforts

Ribuan also highlighted the Sarawak customs department’s efforts in tearing down smuggling syndicates. In the first nine months of this year, the department had impounded 56 vehicles for investigation, involving proceeds amounting to RM11.7 million. This represents a remarkable increase of 115.4% in the number of vehicles seized and a 192.5% rise in total revenue compared with the same period last year.

"The department’s firm enforcement action will continue despite accusations and slander from those dissatisfied with this surge in seizures in 2024 compared with 2023," he said.

Partnership and Public Engagement

Ribuan also announced that the customs department has partnered with the investment, trade and industry ministry to identify and develop profiles of vehicle importers in Malaysia. He urged the public to report any smuggling activities by contacting the department’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-8855, assuring that the identities of informants would be kept confidential to encourage more people to come forward.

Conclusion

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has effectively refuted claims of its director-general’s involvement in a luxury vehicle smuggling syndicate, reiterating the department’s commitment to upholding the integrity and professionalism of its officers. The department’s continued efforts in combating smuggling syndicates and promoting public engagement demonstrate its dedication to protecting the country’s economy and upholding the rule of law.

FAQs

Q: What is the Customs Department’s stance on claims of Director-General Anis Rizana Zainudin’s involvement in a luxury vehicle smuggling syndicate?
A: The Customs Department denies any involvement by the Director-General in the arrests and investigation regarding the seized vehicles.

Q: What is the Customs Department’s response to allegations of special treatment given to a smuggling syndicate involved in the seizure of 10 luxury vehicles of various brands?
A: The department strongly denies any involvement by the Director-General and reiterates that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the enforcement division led by the Sarawak customs director.

Q: How does the Customs Department approach enforcement actions involving luxury vehicles?
A: Enforcement actions are executed under Section 114 of the Customs Act 1967, empowering customs officers to seize any goods if there is reasonable suspicion of an offence under the Act or its regulations.

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