KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is now targeting all states with ports in its investigation into container fraud, which has led to tax revenue losses for the government.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that ports in Sabah and other states are now under MACC's scrutiny following the agency's recent success in uncovering the largest container fraud activities in Selangor.
He said that this effort, in collaboration with the Customs Department, aims to address the revenue leakage and ensure that collected tax revenues are returned to the respective states.
"We (MACC) warn that Sabah is also under our watch, as are any other states with ports. This collaboration with customs and other agencies aims to combat revenue leakage caused by corruption and the misuse of power involving those entrusted with responsibilities.
"This effort is to return the people's money by ensuring that taxes are paid and collected by customs. If leakage occurs in Sabah, then the money will be returned to this state.
"For those who have escaped, we will use the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001," he told reporters at the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and the MACC here today.
The event was officiated by Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun and was also attended by SESB chairman Datuk Seri Madius Tangau, SESB chief executive officer Ir Mohd Yaakob Jaafar, and MACC Sabah director Datuk S Karunanithy.
Azam said the MACC is committed to uncovering container content fraudulent activities that cause government revenue losses due to undeclared goods.
"This is because many leakages occur when containers are improperly declared. There are containers declared to contain wheelchairs but actually contain pork and electrical goods.
"Thus, the tax payment should be higher. This modus operandi happens in many places in Malaysia, and we warn all states, including Sabah, that one day the MACC will reach there," he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on the possibility of new cases related to water supply issues in Sabah, Azam said that so far, no adverse findings have been detected compared to the situation in 2017.
"Currently, no adverse findings have resulted from our monitoring of water issues in Sabah compared to the 2017 case, which is now under trial.
"At that time, the case arose because MACC received numerous complaints and grievances from the people of Sabah regarding substantial funds allocated to Sabah not reaching the ground level, prompting our surveillance.
"After that, Alhamdulillah, although there are still shortcomings here and there, the situation is better now," he said.
At the event, Masidi witnessed the signing of the MoU between SESB and the MACC for collaboration in combating corruption, abuse of power, and misconduct within the electricity supply company in Sabah and Labuan.