PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has attributed the successful dismantling of a major tobacco, cigarette, and cigar smuggling syndicate to Operation Sikaro, which stemmed from intelligence gathered during Operation Sohor.
Following a series of raids across the Klang Valley and Johor last Tuesday, the operation led to the disruption of the illicit network, Bernama reported.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki explained that Operation Sikaro was critical in uncovering the smuggling ring.
“The operation was a direct result of our intelligence and investigations into the individual arrested during Ops Sohor. This individual is suspected of leaking operational details to smugglers, facilitating the entry of prohibited goods like cigarettes and tobacco from neighbouring countries,” Azam said.
He emphasised the rapid response to the information received.
“Once we had the intelligence, we acted swiftly. Within a week, we conducted raids at 14 locations in Johor and the Klang Valley, collaborating with several other agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Bank Negara, and the Inland Revenue Board.”
Azam noted that the success of Operation Sikaro underscores the importance of swift, multi-agency collaboration in tackling complex smuggling operations that result in significant financial losses.
“The public expects timely action, and we’ve done our best to deliver.
At the same time, we ask for understanding regarding the challenges we face in such investigations,” he said.
In addition to the raids, MACC froze multiple personal and corporate bank accounts, amounting to around RM218 million, and is continuing its probe into suspected money laundering activities involving Customs officers and import companies. – August 21, 2025