KUALA LUMPUR – Government backbencher Sabri Azit (Jerai-PAS) has called on Putrajaya to uplift the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to a Customs Commission, similar to how the Anti-Corruption Agency was elevated into the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The former ustaz (Islamic religious teacher) said such an elevation will strengthen the body, while granting more benefits to officers and personnel in recognition of their services to the country.
“The Customs Department has been tasked to collect taxes, while enforcing anti-smuggling activities in the country. This is important for the nation’s economy. Therefore, it is reasonable to upgrade the department to the same level as a commission.
“This way, this agency can conduct its tasks more effectively. As a commission, Customs officers will receive more benefits with better promotion and income opportunities – similar to how the Anti-Corruption Agency was elevated to MACC.”
The PAS lawmaker also called for Putrajaya to establish more quarters specifically for Customs officers, particularly in the nation’s administrative centre of Putrajaya, similar to the Customs quarters located in Kelana Jaya.
At the moment, 14,000-odd Customs officers must make an application with the Housing Department of the Prime Minister’s Office – which has a very long waiting list.
“This will make life easier for the 3,000 Customs officers in Putrajaya,” Sabri added.
He said the department has contributed greatly to national revenue and development based on the amount of taxes it collected – RM56 billion when the country was utilising the Goods and Services Tax model, and RM41 billion after it reverted back to the Sales and Services Tax. – The Vibes, November 24, 2021
