S$919K worth of Singapore dollars and Malaysian ringgit seized in smuggling attempt by married couple from JB to SG
Couple detained after undeclared cash found by Malaysian border officers
SINGAPORE/MALAYSIA: A couple heading from Johor Bahru to Singapore were detained after Malaysian border officers found nearly RM3 million (S$919,000) in undeclared cash inside their vehicle.
The haul included S$300,000 (RM955,441) and RM1,971,697 (S$618,000). The couple, aged 41 and 42, said they were travelling to Singapore for a holiday, but authorities are investigating why they carried such a large sum. Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency stopped their white Toyota Alphard at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar checkpoint.
The inspection took place at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex as the couple headed towards Woodlands, the New Straits Times (NST) reported (Oct 28).
Three officers checked the vehicle after the driver’s behaviour raised their suspicions during questioning. They then searched the storage area and passenger seats, uncovering the cash packed in three boxes, a paper bag and a black backpack.
Malaysia requires travellers to declare cash exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000 (S$12,800/RM40,800) when taking it out of or bringing it into the country.
The couple’s cash haul was far above that threshold. The authorities are investigating the case under Regulation 55(1)(b) of the Customs Regulations 2019.
The couple, the money and their vehicle were handed over to the Customs Department for further action, according to the report.
The authorities have yet to establish the reason for carrying the money or explain why it wasn't declared.
The Johor-Singapore crossing handles people travelling for work, family visits, shopping and holidays. Large cash transfers can attract scrutiny when travellers fail to meet declaration rules.
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Carrying a large sum of money isn't automatically proof of wrongdoing. However, travellers must follow the rules and explain their circumstances when asked by officers.
Anyone planning to cross the border with substantial cash should check the declaration requirements before leaving home. A few minutes spent understanding the rules could save a traveller from a lengthy stop at the checkpoint.