The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized more than RM9 million worth of assets, including gold, cash, luxury cars and bank accounts, following two nationwide operations — Op Rentas and Op Setting — which also saw the arrest of enforcement officers suspected of involvement in a “counter setting” syndicate at the country’s entry points.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said investigators confiscated 617 gold items — including bullion, rings, bracelets, necklaces, anklets, earrings and pendants — weighing an estimated 3.35 kilograms and worth about RM2.26 million.
The agency also seized 15 luxury vehicles such as Toyota Alphard, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi models valued at nearly RM1.82 million, froze 126 bank accounts (82 personal and 20 company accounts) containing close to RM4.4 million, and confiscated almost RM800,000 in cash.
Op Rentas, launched on September 9, targeted counter-setting activities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, while Op Setting, which began on September 23, focused on maritime entry points in Melaka and Johor. The operations involved MACC intelligence teams from Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Melaka and Johor.
To date, 30 enforcement officers have been arrested — 20 from the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) and 10 from the Immigration Department (JIM). “This is the first time they have been detained. All have been released on bail except one, who will be released today,” Azam said.
Previously, media reports highlighted how some officers accepted bribes of up to RM50,000 a month from syndicates to allow foreigners into Malaysia without proper procedures. According to Azam, the officers typically received RM1,800 to RM2,500 per foreigner, with payments made in cash or through mule accounts. “On average, the officers involved were earning between RM10,000 and RM50,000 a month depending on the number of foreigners they allowed through,” he added.
