A MACC source said simultaneous raids were carried out today at 23 locations in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor, targeting tyre import companies, warehouses and storage containers,  Bernama reported.

MACC has also frozen private and company bank accounts totalling about RM70 million, the source said. An investigation is ongoing to trace and seize other assets linked to suspected money laundering activities involving customs officers and tyre importers.

MACC’s special operations division senior director, Zamri Zainul Abidin, confirmed the raids and said the case is being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

“The issue of substandard used tyres is a ‘time bomb’ that threatens consumer safety and can cause accidents.

“MACC will not compromise with any party that profits through corruption, money laundering or smuggling that harms the country,” he said.

A check by Bernama at three tyre sales outlets in Shah Alam found one premise storing 12 shipping containers of tyres, stacked up four storeys high. Tyres from various local and foreign brands were found, with some sold for as little as RM85.

The operation was conducted with the cooperation of the Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara Malaysia, and the customs department.