KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating alleged discrepancies between bills of lading (BL) documentation and the actual physical movement of cargo within the petroleum supply chain at Tanjung Langsat Port in Johor.

Sources said the probe centres on alleged inconsistencies involving shipping documentation and cargo handling linked to transactions amounting to several million ringgit.

According to sources, a businessman bearing the title “Datuk Seri” met MACC officers at a hotel in Putrajaya on Monday at about 10.30am in relation to the complaint.

Further investigations by the relevant authorities are ongoing.

The development comes amid growing concerns within the maritime and commodity trading industry over mismatches between shipping documentation and actual cargo movement.

On May 13, Maritime Network Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jeyenderan Ramasamy warned that discrepancies involving bills of lading and physical cargo movement were emerging as a growing operational and regulatory risk in the global shipping and commodity trading sector.

The maritime industry veteran, who has more than 30 years of experience, said many outside the industry underestimated the importance of the BL, despite its central role in banking transactions, insurance arrangements, Customs declarations, cargo ownership representation and sanctions compliance.

“The biggest risk for a shipping agent is when the physical cargo movement and the documentation stop aligning. Any mismatch between operational handling and paperwork could expose all parties in the chain, including shipping agents, to significant risks,” he said in a statement.

Jeyenderan said shipping agents may not own the cargo or be the beneficial parties involved in transactions, but they still face operational exposure because authorities, terminals and counterparties rely heavily on the instructions and declarations processed through them.

As a result, he said shipping agents are now placing greater emphasis on documentation integrity, internal compliance controls and know-your-customer (KYC) verification processes.

He said the issue becomes more complicated in complex oil trades, where shipping agents may receive different instructions from traders, receivers, terminals, forwarding agents and logistics providers that do not fully match the original BL.

“The moment different parties start operating from different versions of the cargo story, the risk level immediately increases because the agent still has to ensure consistency from a regulatory and operational standpoint,” he said.

On oil blending and commingling after discharge, Jeyenderan said such practices are not unusual in the industry, but maintaining traceability becomes increasingly challenging once cargo enters storage systems and mixes with existing inventory.

He said if cargo conditions change operationally through transfers, blending or additional handling, the documentation and classification process must also evolve accordingly to ensure proper regulatory and commercial treatment.

Jeyenderan warned that when Customs records, BL documents, tank measurements and actual cargo positions no longer align, the industry risks losing visibility over cargo movement, potentially leading to compliance gaps, commercial disputes and revenue leakages.

He added that post-discharge cargo handling involving multiple tank transfers and storage movements is one area requiring closer global scrutiny, particularly where documentary treatment may not keep pace with physical cargo changes, potentially affecting tax and regulatory mechanisms.

PUTRAJAYA, May 15 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will continue strengthening its strategic cooperation with the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), particularly in handling high-profile, large-scale and public interest cases.

Newly-appointed MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said such cases would continue to be referred to the AGC as the authority responsible for determining legal action on investigations conducted by the anti-graft agency.

“I will do my best to lead, reform and strengthen the MACC,” he said in a statement today following a courtesy visit to Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar yesterday.

The visit marked Abd Halim’s first official engagement since assuming office on May 13.

Meanwhile, Mohd Dusuki expressed appreciation for Abd Halim’s decision to make the AGC his first courtesy visit as the new MACC chief commissioner.

“The AGC and the MACC are inseparable. The cooperation between us will continue,” he said.

Also present were the head of the AGC’s Trial and Appeals Division, Datuk Seri Saiful Edris Zainuddin, and the head of the AGC’s Prosecution Division, Datuk Masri Mohd Daud. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed it has received several documents and video recordings from former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli to assist in investigations into alleged abuse of power and misappropriation involving government contracts worth nearly RM1.1 billion.

MACC Senior Director of the Investigation Division said Rafizi arrived with five lawyers and handed over printed documents and video recordings in a USB flash drive, believed to be related to ARM Limited UK.

“The documents were surrendered voluntarily to assist in the investigation being conducted against him (Rafizi),” he said in a statement today.

Mohd Hafaz said the MACC also recorded additional statements from Rafizi, and the process ended at 1.30 pm.

Earlier, the Pandan MP arrived at the MACC headquarters at about 10 am to continue giving his statement regarding the case.

Previously, Rafizi was called to give statements over four days to assist investigations into an investment case involving a strategic semiconductor industry cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Economy and ARM Limited, a company based in the United Kingdom.

To date, 22 witnesses have been called to assist in the investigation, including political analyst Chai Jin Shern, also known as James Chai. Two more witnesses, one in Taiwan and one in Malaysia, are expected to be called.

The MACC opened an investigation paper on Feb 16 after receiving complaints from three non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who alleged the project agreement was rushed and biased, and could have a financial impact on the government.

The case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Earlier Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation records into the Penang undersea tunnel project had indicated there was insufficient evidence against former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng before further investigations were carried out in 2020, according to The Star.

According to the report, MACC investigating officer Zulhilmi Ramli told the Sessions Court today that he had initially joined a task force in early 2020 to review earlier statements and documents linked to the project following a complaint lodged in 2018.

During cross-examination by defence counsel Haijan Omar, Zulhilmi agreed that, based on the materials reviewed at the time, existing statements and documents in the investigation papers were insufficient and required further clarification.

He also agreed with a suggestion by the defence that, as of June 2020, there was insufficient evidence against Lim.

Zulhilmi reportedly said that he only took over as investigating officer in June 2020, after several earlier officers had handled different investigation papers relating to the project.

The witness also agreed that internal minutes or memos in the investigation papers contained references indicating there was “no case” against Lim at the time and that investigations had earlier been halted pending further developments.

However, Zulhilmi disagreed with the defence’s suggestion that the investigation was solely focused on Lim, maintaining that the probe involved multiple individuals linked to the Penang undersea tunnel and three main roads project, The Star reported. 

He told the court he had reviewed earlier investigation papers containing statements from several witnesses and that further clarification was later sought from some of them as part of continuing investigations.

Lim, 65, faces charges of using his position to obtain RM3.3 million in gratification linked to the project, as well as a second charge involving an alleged 10 per cent profit from the project.

He also faces two charges related to the disposal of Penang government land valued at RM208.8 million to companies linked to the project.

The trial before Sessions Court Judge Azura Alwi continues on June 4 and 5.

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 — Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli returned to the headquarters of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) here today to continue giving statements in connection with investigations into a government contract worth nearly RM1.1 billion.

Arriving at about 9.50am alongside his legal team, Rafizi said he would submit an additional 28 pages of documentary evidence to the investigators.

“I am voluntarily giving an additional statement to assist the MACC investigation so it can be aligned with other evidence that was not covered during questioning last week.

“This evidence includes reports from the media itself because the collaboration with Arm Holdings was not done quietly behind closed doors like the 1MDB scandal, but instead was widely reported by the media, with statements and explanations from senior national leaders, including three other senior government leaders who were involved,” he told reporters before entering the MACC headquarters.

Rafizi said he hoped the additional statement and evidence would help MACC conduct a more comprehensive probe.

“I think after my statement today, it will help the MACC determine who else needs to be called.

“And with all the more comprehensive evidence, I am confident the MACC can conclude that, based on my questioning so far, there are no elements involving money or suspicious transactions,” he said.

Rafizi had previously spent four days giving statements to assist in the investigation.

Former MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was previously reported as saying that investigations into the RM1.1 billion investment linked to a semiconductor industry strategic partnership agreement between the Economy Ministry and the UK-based Arm Holdings were now in the final stages.

So far, 22 witnesses have been called, including political analyst Chai Jin Shern, better known as James Chai. Two more witnesses – one in Taiwan and another in Malaysia – are expected to be summoned.

The MACC opened its investigation paper on February 16 following complaints by three non-governmental organisations alleging that the agreement had been rushed and skewed, potentially exposing the government to financial risks.

Meanwhile, Rafizi completed giving evidence to the MACC in about two hours, saying that it went smoothly.

“I think 10 to 15 additional pages of documents and evidence were submitted to the MACC, and I would like to thank the MACC investigating officers for confirming receipt.

“I hope this allows the investigation paper to be fully finalised, and the investigation can be carried out, taking into account witnesses or other people who need to be interviewed in this investigation.

“Ultimately, it is up to the MACC and the Attorney General to decide,” he told the media before leaving the MACC headquarters. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) does not prevent any individual from lodging reports and remains open to receiving information related to corruption from any party, regardless of the individual’s position or background.

The MACC stressed that allegations claiming the commission had prevented any individual from making a report were untrue.

Instead, it said such allegations were an attempt to create a negative perception of the enforcement procedures and security protocols practised by the commission.

“The MACC is always open to receiving reports and information related to corruption from any party, regardless of the position or background of the individual involved.

“However, every reporting process is subject to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and security protocols set to ensure the safety of the premises, smooth official operations and protection of information,” the MACC said in a statement.

It added that access control at its premises is a standard practice consistently enforced on all visitors and is neither discriminatory nor intended to prevent any party from lodging a report.

“MACC premises are subject to the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959 (Act 298), which stipulates that only individuals with valid permission, passes, or permits are allowed to enter the area and are subject to instructions and security inspections by authorised officers.

“The MACC also stresses that there were no gender-related issues, as alleged, in the process of recording reports or taking statements.

“Officers carrying out their duties are bound by the professionalism, ethics and investigation procedures prescribed under the law and the commission’s internal regulations,” it said.

In this regard, the MACC strongly rejects attempts to manipulate security SOPs and enforcement procedures to create a narrative suggesting that the commission was trying to restrict or obstruct the reporting process.

“The MACC remains committed to carrying out its responsibilities professionally, independently and with integrity in accordance with the law and principles of justice,” the commission added.

Earlier, a news portal reported that businessman Albert Tei claimed he was barred from entering the MACC headquarters when he attempted to lodge a report related to abuse of power. — Bernama 

PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — Newly appointed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman has vowed to intensify efforts to combat corruption, abuse of power and malfeasance, while pledging stronger enforcement, greater transparency and improved public trust in the agency.

Abd Halim said restoring public confidence in the MACC was an urgent priority, stressing that the commission must remain firm, transparent and accountable while being fully guided by the rule of law, according to national news agency Bernama.

“Corruption in any form is completely unacceptable and represents a serious betrayal of the people and a threat to the nation’s future,” he said, adding that all Malaysians must work together to reject corruption.

He said the MACC under his leadership would act firmly and fairly against any party found abusing power, regardless of rank or position, and would continue to strengthen whistleblower protection and strategic cooperation with stakeholders.

Abd Halim, who began his two-year contract today until May 12, 2028, also expressed appreciation to the government for the trust placed in him to lead the commission.

Earlier in the day, he arrived at MACC headquarters at about 8.20am, where he was welcomed by senior officers before taking part in a symbolic onboarding ceremony that included scanning his pass card and placing his palm on a digital tablet.

He later chaired a meeting with senior MACC directors, where he outlined plans to strengthen coordination between investigation and prosecution divisions to improve case management and ensure smoother court proceedings.

Among the reforms proposed were tighter internal coordination, enhanced operational efficiency, strengthened recruitment of investigation officers and continued public education efforts on corruption prevention.

Abd Halim also reminded officers to avoid any form of persecution or injustice in carrying out enforcement duties, while acknowledging that public perception of the MACC remains a key challenge that must be addressed through consistent professionalism and integrity.

PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman officially began his duties today as the new chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

He succeeds Azam Baki, who ended his service yesterday after 42 years with the anti-graft agency.

In a Facebook post, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar also congratulated Abdul Halim on his appointment.

“I believe his credibility and experience in the legal field will continue to add value, strengthen the role of the MACC and elevate its standing as a prestigious enforcement agency both domestically and internationally,” he said.

Shamsul Azri also shared photographs of Abdul Halim receiving his appointment letter as the new MACC chief commissioner.

At the same time, Shamsul Azri also expressed appreciation to Azam for his four decades of service with the commission.

“Many achievements and reforms were implemented under his leadership in steering the MACC as a leading enforcement body.

“Tan Sri Azam’s contributions will always be remembered, and I hope he will continue contributing to the country in whatever capacity in the future,” he said.

On April 25, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, consented to the appointment of Abdul Halim, a former High Court judge, as the new MACC chief commissioner on a two-year contract effective today until May 12, 2028.

Meanwhile, the MACC, in a statement, extended their best wishes to Abdul Halim as he officially reported for duty as the agency’s new chief commissioner.

“The entire MACC workforce extends its congratulations and wishes him success in leading efforts to strengthen integrity, governance and the nation’s anti-corruption agenda,” the statement read. — Bernama