The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) are considering the formation of a special task force to strengthen enforcement activities and improve tax collection at the country’s key ports.
The proposal was discussed during a courtesy visit by Customs director-general Datuk Amran Ahmad to MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman at the commission’s headquarters in Putrajaya on Wednesday.
According to Abd Halim, the hour-long strategic meeting provided both agencies with an opportunity to exchange views on the challenges faced in carrying out their duties, particularly in customs inspections, bureaucratic processes and other operational issues within JKDM.
The discussions also focused on enhancing cooperation to curb leakages in container management at ports nationwide, an area that falls under the jurisdiction of the Customs Department. Both agencies explored possible mechanisms to strengthen oversight and improve enforcement against revenue losses.
Meanwhile, Amran revealed that Customs had identified various tactics used by syndicates to evade taxes, including smuggling activities and the submission of false information or forged documents under different approval categories.
He also highlighted cases involving false declarations of cash brought into the country, where individuals allegedly declared significantly lower amounts than the actual sums being carried.
Amran welcomed greater collaboration with the MACC in promoting integrity within the Customs Department, including the organisation of anti-corruption awareness talks for Customs officers as part of efforts to strengthen ethical standards and public confidence.
