CYBERJAYA: Statistics concerning maritime corruption are not reflective of the real situation.
Malaysian Shipowners Association chairman Mohamed Safwan Othman said "graft at sea" were being underreported, leading to cases of maritime corruption being seen as relatively low.
In truth, he said, the smuggling of such items as cigarettes and diesel is rampant.
During an interview at the "Solidarity in the Maritime Industry: Fight Against Corruption" symposium hosted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), he said the smuggling of cigarettes was especially rampant at ports, while subsidised diesel often involve third-party intervention.
Safwan stressed the concern over subsidised diesel as one government-linked company reported an annual loss of up to RM300 million.
"Hence, the association is working closely with MACC and the Transport Ministry to advocate for better adoption of the whistleblowing policy by shipping companies with greater effect," he said.
Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) associate director Martin Benderson said the challenge within the region lies in the transparency of maritime tariffs and regulation.
"Malaysia faces less of these issues but it is a general problem within Asean," he said.
On the tariffs, Benderson stated that many companies find it difficult to identify which service fee is legitimate or otherwise.
"Malaysia is considered to have advanced ports so it is great to see this initiative taking place," he added.