KUALA LUMPUR: A Thai couple was detained after RM700,000 was discovered in their baggage at the KLIA2 departure hall last Thursday. Customs deputy director-general Datuk Zulkifli Yahya said the couple, aged 67 and 50, failed to present a letter of approval from Bank Negara to bring the money out of the country. He said the department was still determining where they obtained the cash from. Last Wednesday, Customs nabbed a 35-year-old Yemeni man after an undeclared €29,000 (RM140,189) was found in his pocket. All three have been remanded for further investigation.
Zulkifli said travellers must declare cash if the amount was equal to or more than US$10,000 (RM42,955) when they enter or leave the country. “Other means of transporting ringgit such as through post or courier must have written approval, too,” he said. “Importing or exporting currency is allowed if it is in compliance with the law.” Zulkifli said there were three cases in January where more than RM500,000 was seized as travellers failed to declare the amount or show a letter of approval.
