MACC Busts Scrap Metal Smuggling Rings In Five States

Barnama

14 hours ago

CRIME & COURTS
GEORGE TOWN, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched a major crackdown on scrap metal smuggling syndicates operating in five states, which are believed to have paid bribes to enforcement officers, resulting in an estimated tax revenue loss of over RM950 million to the government.
The raids were carried out by the MACC's Special Operations Division through the Multi Agency Task Force (MATF), in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), at 19 locations across Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, and Kedah.
The special operation, dubbed 'Op Metal,' also involved personnel from MACC's Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS), who raided six sites in Penang yesterday, including residences, offices, and scrap metal storage and processing centres believed to be involved in the smuggling operation.
The first raid, which was also joined by Bernama, was conducted at a three-storey luxury bungalow in Batu Maung around 6 am Monday (July 14), believed to belong to a businessman who owns a scrap metal company.
A domestic helper opened the door after ACTS officers knocked, and a search was conducted with officials, though the company owner was reportedly not home at the time.
Only the man's wife, child, and an elderly woman believed to be his mother were in the residence, while the foreign national was said to be abroad on business for the past two days.
The operations team searched for evidence and documents related to the smuggling activities, while the ACTS team maintained surveillance inside and outside the home to ensure a smooth operation.
Later, members of the media were brought along for a raid on a scrap metal storage and processing site at Jalan Bukit Minyak in Bukit Mertajam around 9 am, just as the premises opened for business.
The ACTS team conducted a thorough inspection of the zinc-fenced facility, which contained scrap metals of various forms, sizes, and types believed to be processed before being exported overseas.