MACC seizes over RM332mil in assets in major scrap metal smuggling probe

The Star

4 days ago

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has frozen and seized assets worth over RM332 million as part of an extensive investigation into a scrap metal and e-waste smuggling syndicate, which allegedly bribed enforcement officers, leading to a loss of over RM950 million in export tax revenue over the past six years.
An MACC source reported that 27 witnesses have been questioned so far, including a primary suspect whose statement was recorded on Monday (July 21). No arrests have been made at this stage.
"MACC has frozen 324 bank accounts, comprising 142 corporate accounts and 182 individual accounts, totalling nearly RM150mil. Assets seized so far amount to about RM183mil," the source said, adding that investigations are ongoing.
Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, senior director of MACC's Special Operations Division, confirmed these developments and stated that MACC is actively identifying those involved in the syndicate and scrutinising financial links between suspects and the implicated companies.
The investigation is being conducted under Sections 16 and 18 of the MACC Act 2009 for bribery and false claims, as well as potential offences under anti-money laundering laws. Collaborating agencies, including the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), Customs Department, and Bank Negara, are pursuing related offences under the Income Tax Act 1967 and Customs Act 1967.
On July 14, MACC launched a large-scale crackdown, targeting 19 locations in Penang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Johor, and Kedah. The operation focused on a prominent scrap metal company owner with a 'Datuk' title.
However, the suspect, believed to be a foreign national, was not at his Batu Maung home, having reportedly left the country two days prior. The team then moved to a scrap metal storage and processing facility on Jalan Bukit Minyak, mainland Penang, believed to belong to the suspect.
For over six years, the syndicate exported scrap metal and e-waste to several countries, evading nearly RM1bil in export duties by falsely declaring cargo as machinery and other non-taxable metal goods to bypass the government's 15% export duty. Destinations included China, India, and others.
The syndicate allegedly bribed Customs Department officers, establishing a corrupt network that operated undetected for years.
MACC continued its crackdown with asset seizures of over RM183mil on July 15. The coordinated sweep at 13 locations across Penang, Kedah, Johor, and the Klang Valley was conducted with the Customs Department, Inland Revenue Board, and Bank Negara Malaysia as part of Ops Metal.