R.AGE\u2019s expose on the involvement of Malaysian police in the smuggling of endangered pangolins has triggered an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have conducted undercover work and exposed corruption practices at our border (in the past), but we never looked into corruption in wildlife smuggling specifically,\u201d said MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki when contacted yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Star\u2019s report has alerted us to look into this and we welcome those with any information to share with us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RELATED: <\/strong>Malaysia\u2019s Top Cop to Investigate Officers Reportedly Involved in Wildlife Smuggling<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Azam added that MACC previously highlighted the issue to the Home Ministry, which later established the Malaysian Border Security Agency (Aksem), comprising officers from police, Immigration, Customs, and the National Drug Agency, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Formerly known as the Anti-Smuggling Unit (UPP), Aksem was set up to ensure a more integrated enforcement approach against smuggling and human trafficking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAksem was established following our revelation of corruption at our borders \u2026 we always had our eyes on the matter, and have our own way of investigating this issue,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on the report, Azam said the wildlife smugglers are using the same modus operandi as other smugglers, where they would bribe officers at the border checkpoints for safe passage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c(The report) indicates that corruption among enforcement officers, who are entrusted to control our borders, is still prevailing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On 25 Sept, The Star carried an exclusive report by R.AGE<\/a> revealing as many as a dozen police officers connected to syndicates smuggling pangolins across the Malaysia-Thailand border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The report is part of an international collaboration<\/a> with over 30 journalists from 13 countries reporting on the global pangolin smuggling trade, with R.AGE as the Malaysian reporting partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n