Fresh rules trigger new scam in the Customs Department - source
Even with the government stepping up efforts to curb corruption within the public service, a new method has allegedly been introduced to obtain import licences for alcohol and cigarettes from the Customs Department while bypassing due procedure.
According to a source from the department, the alleged new method involves 12 "consultants" who act as middlemen between the public and custom officers...
Even with the government stepping up efforts to curb corruption within the public service, a new method has allegedly been introduced to obtain import licences for alcohol and cigarettes from the Customs Department while bypassing due procedure.
According to a source from the department, the alleged new method involves 12 "consultants" who act as middlemen between the public and custom officers.
The source claimed parties seeking to obtain a three-month import licence for alcohol and cigarettes were required to pay between RM100,000 and RM150,000 to the consultant.
"The middlemen will act as consultants to manage the process. They will provide all the documents needed with help from a known customs officer who will also speed up the process.
"Their applications will be forwarded to a panel for a fast-tracked approval.
"Approval will be granted in a month's time and the applicants do not need to attend an interview," the source claimed, adding that the alleged method has been in use since January.
An ordinary application for a licence to import alcohol and cigarettes, the source said, requires the applicant to attend an interview, with the overall process taking up to three months.
"The involvement of Customs officers led the panel that evaluates the import licence applications to not suspect anything," said the source, who also alleged that a similar tactic was used by blacklisted individuals to obtain a permit through a third party.
Blacklisted syndicates will pay millions
The source further alleged that there were middlemen who sold the licences for millions of ringgit to smuggling syndicates using a third party as a proxy.
"Why does the Customs Department continue to issue licences to companies with no operating premises and no background in selling cigarettes or alcohol?" the source asked.
When contacted, Customs director-general Paddy Abdul Halim (photo) urged complainants to come forward with relevant information for immediate investigations.
"Those with information are recommended to contact us or other authorities, such as the MACC.
"Detailed information with evidence are welcomed in order for investigations to be carried out in a swift and transparent manner," he said.
Paddy also urged the public to stop offering any bribes or any form of inducements to ease Customs Department processes.
"I would like to stress that all procedures for the awarding of import licences are done according to the law and regulations enforced by the Customs Department.
"The department will not compromise on officers directly involved or in collusion with any (irregular) approvals to obtain permits," he said, adding that enforcement is carried out on a regular basis to prevent possible smuggling attempts.
