MACC: KLIA FCZ enforcement officers receive up to RM6,000 bribes daily

INVESTIGATIONS by the Malaysian Anti-corruption Commission (MACC) revealed that enforcement officers at the Free Commercial Zone (FCZ) entry point of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) were allegedly receiving up to RM6,000 daily in bribes.

Utusan Malaysia reported MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that the bribe amounts varied depending on the type of truck released, with rates set at RM150 for a one-tonne truck, RM300 for a three-tonne truck, RM500 for a five-tonne truck and RM750 for trucks over five tonnes.

It was also reported that around 20 trucks of various types were estimated to exit the FCZ daily, with the bribe total ranging between RM4,000 and RM6,000 per day.

“These trucks were allowed to pass by enforcement officers at the KLIA FCZ despite various offences, particularly smuggling activities,” he said as quoted by the Malay daily.

Azam further disclosed that intelligence and investigations indicated that a smuggling syndicate, focusing on vape products, had been operating out of the KLIA FCZ since 2023.

The MACC is currently identifying additional suspects and assessing their involvement in the syndicate’s operations.

As part of its efforts, the MACC raided the syndicate’s main warehouse and is working to locate other related sites.

So far, seizures have included vape products found in trucks and storage warehouses.

“We have also confiscated various items, including computers, mobile phones, branded goods and cash, with the total value of seized assets estimated at RM17.9 million,” he added.

Yesterday, MACC arrested 14 individuals aged between 20 and 60 through “Operation Airways” conducted around Klang Valley and Putrajaya following three months of surveillance.

The detained included six customs officers, eight civilians and six company directors.

Hundreds of thousands of vape products were confiscated, which is linked to tax revenue losses estimated at RM8 million.

The syndicate’s modus operandi involved bribing enforcement officers with thousands of ringgit for each container to bypass scanning machines or inspections.

All six customs officers, four company directors and two individuals have been remanded for four days until Jan 25.

Another company director has been remanded for five days until Jan 26, while one director has been released on MACC bail. — TMR