Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded statements from five individuals linked to a syndicate making false import declarations at Port Klang.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, those who have had their statements taken include importers, forwarding agents, and middlemen. "All of them are suspected of making false declarations regarding the quantity and type of imported goods brought into Malaysia to customs authorities, to evade or reduce import duties," a source said.

MACC's Special Operations Division has been conducting an integrated operation under Ops Celio since last Tuesday, in collaboration with the Malaysian Anti-Enforcement Agencies Task Force. The task force comprises the Inland Revenue Board, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and Bank Negara Malaysia. "So far, MACC has searched 26 locations, including company premises and suspect homes around the Klang Valley. Today, Ops Celio has continued in Penang and Kelantan, targeting two additional premises belonging to consignees," the source added.

The investigation has also identified several enforcement officers suspected of being involved in corrupt activities to release problematic containers. Special Operations Division senior director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin confirmed that 133 company and individual accounts have been frozen to date, amounting to approximately RM185 million.

Yesterday, media reports indicated that MACC had arrested a company owner suspected of being involved in the syndicate making false declarations of imported goods to the Customs Department at Port Klang. Sources say the government has lost an estimated RM1.5 billion in customs duty revenue over five years as a result of these activities.