Cover image via China Press
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Two foreign nationals were arrested at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) after authorities discovered more than RM2.53 million in undeclared cash hidden in their luggage
In a statement yesterday, 9 March, KLIA Customs director Zulkifli Muhammad said the first case involved a Bangladeshi man who was intercepted at KLIA Terminal 1 in the first week of February.
During an inspection on 6 February, enforcement officers found multiple foreign currencies hidden in the lining of the man's shirts.
Authorities discovered 1,618,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately RM1,694,160), 157,400 Euros (approximately RM719,192), and 5,000 British Pounds (approximately RM26,398).
The traveller's luggage contained cash in Saudi Riyals, Euros, and British Pounds hidden in the lining of shirts to evade authorities.
Image via China PressThe Bangladeshi man failed to declare the cash and attempted to avoid detection by concealing the banknotes
"The man failed to declare the foreign currency and attempted to evade inspection by hiding banknotes totalling RM2.41 million in the lining of shirts," Zulkifli said.
According to Zulkifli, the traveller failed to declare the amount on Customs Form 7 and violated Regulation 55(1)(b) of the Customs Regulations 2019.
Under the regulation, travellers bringing cash or negotiable instruments equivalent to or exceeding USD10,000 into Malaysia must declare them.
Following this, an Indonesian national was apprehended by enforcement officers at KLIA Terminal 2
He was stopped in the departure hall after officers discovered undeclared cash in his luggage on 10 February. The traveller allegedly attempted to remove Malaysian currency without declaring it or obtaining approval from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
Authorities found RM120,100 hidden inside both checked baggage and carry-on bags, violating Regulation 55(1)(b) of the 2019 Customs Regulations 2019.
The Indonesian traveller was detained at the KLIA Terminal 2 International Departure Hall for allegedly attempting to take out RM120,100 without declaring it.
Image via China PressZulkifli said both cases are currently being investigated under Section 28B of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Prevention Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.
If convicted of violating subsection (1), the suspect may be fined not exceeding RM3 million, imprisoned for up to five years, or both.
KLIA Customs director Zulkifli Muhammad.
Image via New Straits Times