Kesatuan Pegawai Kastam Semenanjung Malaysia (KPKSM) president Abdul Malik Zin said the forced relocations had caused mental distress and burdened officers financially.

“We hope that all these transfer directives are cancelled, except for those who have applied for them,” he said at a press conference held at the union’s headquarters.

He claimed that the 4,000-member union had recently received 24 complaints about involuntary transfers. He also claimed that prior to the appointment of customs director-general Anis Rizana Zainudin on Sept 25, relocations were intrastate, and thus, minimised disruptions to family life.

Malik said the relocation letters issued by the customs headquarters stated that its decision was final and no appeal would be entertained, with officers refusing to comply risking disciplinary action.

Malik added that he was one of those affected, having received a letter requiring him to relocate from Ipoh, Perak, to Lawas in Sarawak, which he said would hinder his ability to function as the union president.

FMT has contacted the customs department for comment.