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JOHOR BAHRU - The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) detained a Malaysian couple suspected of attempting to take nearly RM3 million in undeclared cash out of the country at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex here yesterday.
AKPS deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Mohd Nasaruddin M. Nasir said the couple, aged 41 and 42, were detained at about 11.40 am while passing through the vehicle inspection zone heading towards Woodlands, Singapore, in a white Toyota Alphard.
He said an inspection by three AKPS officers uncovered RM1,971,697 and SGD300,000 in cash stored in three boxes, a paper bag and a black backpack in the rear passenger area.
"Further checks were carried out after the driver behaved suspiciously when questioned and was instructed to open the luggage compartment and passenger seats for inspection,” he said at a press conference at the AKPS BSI office here today.
Mohd Nasaruddin said the couple, who are from Johor and run a business, were believed to be travelling to Singapore for a holiday.
However, he said the actual purpose of taking such a large amount of cash to the republic and the reasons for failing to declare it were still under investigation.
Mohd Nasaruddin said both individuals were also brought to court this morning for a remand application.
"The vehicle has also been seized before being handed over to the Customs Department for further action,” he said.
He said individuals carrying cash exceeding or equivalent to USD10,000 across the country's borders, either into or out of the country, were required to declare it to the authorities.
"AKPS is committed to tightening controls at all entry points into the country to curb violations of the law that could affect national revenue,” he said.
Mohd Nasaruddin said the case was being investigated under Regulation 55(1)(b) of the Customs Regulations 2019. - BERNAMA
