Malaysian authorities arrested a Malaysian couple at the Johor Bahru (JB) checkpoint on Tuesday (27 Oct).
They were attempting to cross the border to Singapore with nearly RM3 million (S$1 million) in undeclared cash in their vehicle.
In a press release on Wednesday (28 Oct), the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) shared that the Singapore-bound couple was apprehended at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex.
Three AKPS officers intercepted a Malaysia-registered white Toyota Alphard at around 11.40am along the car inspection lane heading towards Woodlands.
Source: AKPS BSI on Facebook
The officers grew suspicious when the driver displayed uneasy behaviour while being questioned.
They then instructed the driver to open the storage compartment and passenger seats for a thorough search.
During the inspection, officers uncovered RM1,971,697 in Malaysian Ringgit and S$300,000 in Singapore Dollars.
These were packed into three boxes, a paper bag, and a black backpack.
Source: AKPS BSI on Facebook
The discovery led the agency to detain the couple, aged 41 and 42, who are believed to be married.
They also seized the cash and the vehicle to be handed over to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) for further investigation.
According to Malay Mail, AKPS Deputy Director-General (Operations) Datuk Mohd Nasaruddin M. Nasir said the suspects claimed they run a business and were travelling to Singapore for a holiday.
The agency is still investigating the couple’s real reason for bringing the cash into Singapore.
Source: AKPS BSI on Facebook
“At present, the seized funds have not been declared and are subject to investigation by the relevant agencies, including the Customs Department,” Mr Nasaruddin revealed.
He also said initial checks found that the couple had no previous criminal records.
The couple was remanded on Wednesday, and authorities are investigating the case under Regulation 55(1)(b) of the Customs Regulations 2019.
AKPS reminded all travellers to declare any cash or monetary instruments exceeding US$10,000 (S$13,200 or RM40,000) when entering or leaving Malaysia.
Failing to do so is a punishable offence.
The agency also stressed that it remains committed to tightening border security to curb any violations which may threaten state revenue.
Also read: Three men arrested in S’pore for using stolen bank cards to buy IT hardware costing over S$9K
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Featured image adapted from Agensi Kawalan dan Perlindungan Sempadan Malaysia BSI on Facebook.