After Customs flags import irregularities, maritime expert asks MACC to revisit RM220m crude cargo report

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — A maritime industry executive, Datuk Seri R. Jeyenderan, has questioned whether the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will investigate further into his report of alleged discrepancies in petroleum cargo records. This comes after the Royal Malaysian Customs Department reported recent import declaration irregularities.

Jeyenderan submitted his report on June 5, highlighting discrepancies between bills of lading and the actual movement of crude petroleum cargo at Tanjung Langsat Port, Johor, involving two cargoes totaling 76,954.325 metric tonnes of Atlanta Crude, valued at over RM220 million.

Jeyenderan, with more than three decades of maritime industry experience, raised concerns about the traceability of the cargo, particularly how authorities could verify its fate after entering storage tanks alongside existing inventory, including any subsequent mixing or blending. He emphasized the need for comprehensive records detailing the quantity discharged into each tank, existing inventory, product movements, laboratory specifications, and quantities eventually removed or transferred to maintain an unbroken documentation trail.

Jeyenderan stressed that he acted solely as the vessel or shipping agent for the cargo movements and was not involved as the cargo owner, terminal operator, laboratory, or Customs authority. He urged the MACC to determine if the Customs disclosure necessitates further investigation, especially concerning the accuracy of cargo declarations and the appropriate regulatory treatment.

He also sought clarification on any revenue implications stemming from handling petroleum cargoes, particularly in shared storage tanks and blending arrangements.