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High-tech scanners capable of detecting bank notes in luggage are to be installed at all entry and exit points in the country to curb the illegal outflow of money that has amounted to bilions of ringgit.
Customs deputy director-general Datuk Zainul Abidin Taib said seven such scanners had already been installed at the KL International Airport while the rest would be fitted by the end of the year.
The scanners, costing RM300,000 to RM1.8mil each and similar to those in many other international airports, were installed at the carousel and outbound checking areas of the KLIA, he added.
He also said that several million ringgit had been seized from businessmen trying to smuggle money out last year.
US-based watchdog group Global Financial Integrity in its annual report said Malaysia lost RM150bil in illegal outflow of cash in 2009.
It was the fourth highest among developing nations, the report said, adding that Malaysia lost US$338bil (RM1.08tril) between 2000 and 2010.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced last December the setting up of a special task force comprising the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Attorney General's Chambers, the Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara and the Customs Department to check the illegal flight of funds.
Sources said the task force had been meeting regularly and was implementing measures not only to check the smuggling of money but also to reduce opportunities for corrupt practices in departments dealing with revenue.
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