A source said the suspect was detained at around 5pm yesterday while being questioned at MACC’s headquarters in Putrajaya.

“Initial investigations found that the money was paid in cash to the enforcement officers involved from 2022,” said the source.

“It is believed that 11 enforcement officers are involved.”

MACC’s remand application for the Singaporean was granted by Putrajaya magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin today, and will expire on Sunday.

MACC investigation division senior director Hishamuddin Hashim confirmed the arrest and said the case is being investigated under Sections 16(a) and 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

It was previously reported that MACC had identified a Singaporean as the mastermind behind a smuggling syndicate at Port Klang which resulted in about RM3.5 billion in lost tax revenue.

The anti-graft agency arrested 11 customs officers as part of its probe and seized RM4.4 million in cash from the officers, believed to have been obtained through bribes. The 11 officers were among 17 people arrested by MACC.

Media also reported that 19 containers in Port Klang containing imported goods such as vehicles, vehicle parts and solar panels were seized during an operation conducted by MACC and the customs department.

The smuggling syndicate was found to have made false declarations by declaring the contents of the containers as duty-free items such as wheelchairs, toilet seats, textiles, and health equipment.