PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will investigate the uCustoms system worth RM397.43 million, which has yet to be completed since the project began in October 2013.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki said he has instructed Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahya to head a task force to probe the issue, which was raised in the Auditor-General’s Report 2019 Series 2.
“The investigation will look into any corruption and abuse of power committed,” he said today.
The report, which was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, revealed that the UCustoms system of the Customs Department to replace the Customs Information System, failed to be completed within 86 months after being given five extensions of time (EoT).
According to the audit report, a total of RM272.99 million had been paid to the suppliers and Project Management Office, while only one Liquidated Ascertained Damage (LAD) amounting to RM55,660 was imposed.
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Wong Kah Woh had urged the MACC to conduct an immediate investigation into the UCustoms system, as the project has yet to be completed but the government still has to pay for it.
Azam said the MACC has obtained the documents on the uCustoms system from the Customs Department to assist in the investigation.
“So far, no individuals have been called to assist in the investigation,” he said, adding that the MACC will also obtain a briefing from the auditor-general. – Bernama, September 29, 2021
