Over RM600,000 cash seized, foreign director detained, says Customs Department

SEPANG: More than RM600,000 undeclared cash has been seized at KLIA and a foreigner in his 60s detained, says the Customs Department.

Its central zone assistant director Norlela Ismail said the passenger, who had intended to board a flight to a Middle Eastern country, was detained on June 13.

“The passenger, in his 60s, was detained following a check on his luggage.

“We discovered RM572,573 cash, along with Singaporean dollar notes worth S$24,500

(RM85,258).

“We are still investigating to uncover the source of the money. The suspect is a director at a foreign company,” she told a press conference at KLIA Cargo Customs office on Monday (July 1).

The case is classified under Section 28B of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing and Proceeds of Illegal Activities Act (AMLAFTPUAA) 2001 as the man did not declare the amount of cash he was bringing out of the country, she said.

“Those who intend to bring cash out of the country must declare so using No. 7 Customs Form.

“It is needed for amounts of USD10,000 or exceeding it,” she said.

Norlela added that approval by Bank Negara Malaysia must also be obtained for an equivalent amount of Malaysian ringgit to be brought overseas.

It is the second of such cases discovered by the department, she said.

“We urge the public to assist the department in combating the smuggling of contraband, especially cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, fireworks and drugs by providing us with relevant information.

“Smuggling not only leads to losses for the nation but also jeopardises the country’s safety and security,” she said.