THE Royal Malaysian Customs Department’s (JKDM) efforts to fight corruption among its ranks will play a critical role in improving the department’s performance while safeguarding the country’s socio-economic wellbeing, said an advocacy group.

Advokasi Perusahaan dan Industri’s (API) comments came on the back of recent high-profile arrests of active Customs’ officers made by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

A news report quoting the MACC also highlighted that the anti-graft agency had apprehended a total of 34 customs officers who were allegedly implicated in smuggling operations worth a staggering RM2 bil.

“Many Malaysians would automatically assume that it would be an uphill task, if not entirely impossible, for our law enforcement agencies to tackle corruption aggressively and in such a short time period,” said API managing director Datuk Fazli Nordin in a statement on Thursday (July 4).

“The ground-breaking efforts made by JKDM is a reflection of the Madani Government’s commitment to curtail corruption as well as the bravery and diligence of JKDM director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin.”

API expected that JKDM’s efforts to “clean house” can, in the foreseeable future, curtail the rampant trafficking and smuggling activities that occur throughout the country.

API highlighted that Malaysia had lost more than RM1.4 mil in unpaid taxes to the smuggling of subsidised items such as rice, petrol, diesel, wheat flour and liquefied petroleum gas, based on the JKDM’s own data.

API said that JKDM’s anti-corruption drive will also set a healthy precedence for other law enforcement agencies to follow suit.

“This would ultimately create a motivated, corruption-free law enforcement community who are single-minded in protecting Malaysia’s interest and people,” Fazli added.

In spite of the positive progress to tackle corruption, Fazli warned that the road ahead for JKDM may be paved with challenges.

“Naturally, the courageous initiatives undertaken by the director-general have ruffled some feathers, especially amongst corrupt officers and criminal syndicates,” he remarked.

“API has come across various unfounded allegations on social media aimed at discrediting the director-general, and this should be a cause for concern as these attacks may discourage the majority of dedicated, honest and loyal law enforcement officers from carrying out their duties without fear or favour.” - July 4, 2024 

https://focusmalaysia.my/api-customs-efforts-to-clean-house-reflective-of-govts-commitment-to-curtail-corruption/