Royal Malaysian Custom fight against syndicates

However this effort is often marred by certain groups, who are using RMC’s name in syndicates.

Generally the syndicates have a specific target group they interact with.

Custom Enforcement Division director Datuk Zainul Abidin Taib said people often fall prey to these syndicates because they are not aware of our duties.

“These syndicates are very active because of the lack of awareness. They manipulate people using the advantages available with technologies,” he said.

The mode of operation usually is by building relationships through social media. Victims are usually informed about a package sent to them as a gift containing gold or cash in order to convince the people.

Later the victims are informed the packages are confiscated by the customs, so in order to release it, a certain amount has to be paid. The money is usually transferred in to their personal account.

Victims usually realise, they have been duped after the money had transferred but the goods are never delivered.

Recognising the challenges in tackling smuggling and fraud activities, RMC has reformed the course of their duties.

“In order to reduce such activities, the customs have placed a few units of scanners to check the authenticity and content of the goods,” Taib said.

In conjunction with the theme of the World Customs Day- ‘Advancing Custom Innovation’,they have seen an improvement by upgrading their information system.

The collection of tax has increased over the years. Last year, they managed to collect RM 32 billion in revenue compared to RM30 billion in 2011.

The global celebration of customs should be declared as a symbol of recognition to the dedicated officers.