THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) raided companies believed to be involved in tobacco, cigarette and cigar smuggling which caused the government to suffer tax revenue losses of over RM250 million from 2020 to 2024.
The raids were carried out through an integrated operation, namely Op Sikaro, led by the MACC Special Operations Division in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department at 14 locations around the Klang Valley and Johor, yesterday.
According to sources, the raids were carried out on business premises and company owners who carry out tobacco, cigar and liquor business activities.
"As a result of the raid, MACC has frozen the bank accounts of the suspects and company accounts involving approximately RM218 million.
"Meanwhile, the customs department also suspended the import licenses of several companies identified as being involved in the activities to enable further investigations," said the source.
The source said that the syndicate is believed to also involve enforcement agency officers and the investigation will focus on efforts to track down and seize other assets of those involved in money laundering activities.
Meanwhile, MACC Special Operations Division Senior Director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin confirmed the raid and said the investigations were conducted under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001).
He said the MACC would not compromise with any party that tried to profit through corruption, money laundering and smuggling that was detrimental to the country. – August 20, 2025
