KOTA KINABALU: Bank accounts containing a total of RM560mil have been frozen, among them 69 accounts associated with Customs officers in the state, in an anti-corruption operation against contraband liquor and cigarettes, it was reported today.
Two major Sabah smuggling kingpins have been arrested and are in custody in Putrajaya, while investigations continue into senior Customs officers who reportedly have millions in their bank accounts.
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The operation began last week into the smuggling of cigarettes and liquor from Labuan island, a duty-free zone, and a scarcity of cheap beer, dubbed “Sepuluh tiga (RM10 for three cans)”, is being reported, ahead of harvest festival celebrations when sales of contraband alcoholic drinks go up.
Supermarkets, sundry shops and importers are reported to be affected by the operation, and Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Michael Liu was among those asking for partial lifting of the freeze so that salaries could be paid and other essential business operations to carry on.
The anti-corruption agency MACC has denied accusations from legislators of misusing its powers in freezing the bank accounts. Deputy chief commissioner Mohd Shukri Abdull said the action was taken after half a year of investigations.
The companies could apply for access to part of the funds if there was a good reason such as to pay salaries, he said.
