By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 24: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) has denied allegations that its Director-General, Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin, was involved in the detention and investigation of a luxury vehicle smuggling syndicate in Sarawak.
According to the national news agency Bernama, Deputy Director-General of Customs (Enforcement and Compliance) Ribuan Abdullah clarified that Section XII of the Customs Act 1967 guarantees the right of JKDM Enforcement Officers to carry out their duties independently and without interference from any party, including at the state level, which is overseen by the Sarawak State Customs Director.
“In this regard, JKDM denies any involvement of the Director-General in the detention or investigation of the seized vehicles, as this matter clearly falls under the jurisdiction of the Enforcement Division, which is led by the Sarawak Customs Director,” Ribuan was quoted as saying in a statement.
He emphasised that the Director-General has never interfered in the enforcement or detention activities related to the seized vehicles.
Bernama further reported that his remarks came in response to allegations circulating on social media, accusing Anis Rizana of giving special treatment to the syndicate involved in the seizure of 10 luxury vehicles, of various brands, estimated to be worth more than RM8.12 million by Sarawak Customs.
Ribuan also explained that a police report had been lodged regarding the accusation to protect the reputation of both Anis Rizana and JKDM.
Addressing the luxury vehicle seizures by Sarawak Customs, Ribuan said that enforcement action against the vehicles and their associated owners was carried out under Section 114 of the Customs Act 1967.
This section grants customs officers the authority to seize any goods if there is reasonable suspicion of an offence under the act or its regulations.
“The decision to proceed with prosecution or release the seized vehicles rests with the Public Prosecutor’s Office under Section 379 of the Criminal Procedure Code,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ribuan disclosed that Sarawak Customs had detained a total of 56 vehicles for investigation, with a total revenue value of RM11.7 million from January to September this year.
This reflects a 115.4 per cent increase in the number of vehicles seized and a 192.5 per cent rise in revenue compared to the same period last year.
“JKDM’s strict enforcement actions will continue, despite slander and false accusations by parties displeased with the increased number of seizures in 2024 compared to 2023,” Ribuan said.
In line with this commitment, JKDM has collaborated with the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry to identify and profile vehicle importers in Malaysia.
Ribuan also urged the public to provide information on smuggling activities by contacting JKDM’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-8855, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept confidential. — DayakDaily
