Not your average holiday money! Singapore-bound couple caught with nearly RM3m in cash at Johor checkpoint

Johor Bahru, October 28 — Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) officials apprehended a married couple attempting to smuggle around RM3 million in local and Singaporean currency into Singapore without declaring the cash at the Sultan Iskandar Building checkpoint earlier today. Their attempt was stopped when AKPS officers pulled over their vehicle for a routine inspection as they were en route to Woodlands in Singapore at 11.40am.

The 41-year-old and 42-year-old pair were taken into custody for further investigation. AKPS deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Mohd Nasaruddin M. Nasir explained that the couple were driving a white Toyota Alphard multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with Malaysian license plates when they were halted by three agency officers. "Upon questioning, the driver exhibited suspicious behavior," Nasir reported. "Subsequently, the storage compartment and passenger seating area of the vehicle were thoroughly searched."

During the search, AKPS discovered RM1,971,697 and S$300,000 in cash hidden in three boxes, a black backpack, and a paper bag. The couple, both engaged in business, claimed they were traveling from Johor to Singapore for a holiday. However, AKPS is still investigating the true purpose of moving such a large amount of cash into Singapore.

"As of now, the seized funds have not been declared and are subject to further investigation by relevant agencies, including the Customs Department," Nasir informed reporters at the BSI complex.

Nasaruddin added that the cash and vehicle were seized and would be transferred to the Customs Department for additional action. Preliminary checks revealed no prior incidents of misconduct involving the couple. He also clarified that travelers carrying cash exceeding the set limit, equivalent to more than US$10,000 (approximately RM40,000), must declare it to the authorities. "Non-compliance may lead to legal consequences," Nasir warned.