Maritime industry expert urges clearer timelines for probes, says prolonged uncertainty hurts businesses

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 — Maritime industry expert Datuk Seri R. Jeyenderan has called for clear timelines to be set for investigations into alleged corruption and other misconduct, saying prolonged probes without clear updates could create uncertainty for affected parties.

He said enforcement agencies must be given sufficient time to conduct thorough investigations, but there should also be a mechanism to ensure complainants are informed of the progress and outcome of their reports within a reasonable period.

Jeyenderan said this was particularly important in cases involving businesses and matters with potential implications for government revenue, regulatory compliance and the country’s maritime industry.

“I received auto-generated emails and SMS messages from Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) stating that the case was under action. But since June until now, I have not received any written explanation from MACC.

“The prolonged uncertainty had badly affected the businesses involved, particularly in making commercial decisions and planning operations,” he said in a statement today. 

With more than 30 years of experience in the maritime industry, Jeyenderan said the lack of a formal written update had made it difficult for him to understand the current status of the investigation and whether any further information or documents were required from his side.

The businessman said he respected the MACC and its investigative process, and had cooperated fully by providing documents and information requested by its officers.

The report was lodged on June 5 over alleged discrepancies between bills of lading and the physical movement of petroleum cargo at Tanjung Langsat Port, Johor, involving transactions said to be worth millions of ringgit.

He had previously said the matter could have wider implications if the allegations were substantiated, including possible effects on government revenue, regulatory compliance and confidence in Malaysia’s maritime and petroleum sectors.

Jeyenderan said his concern was not to interfere with or pressure investigators, but to ensure that investigations were conducted efficiently and that affected parties were given appropriate clarity.

“Setting a timeline does not mean rushing an investigation or compromising due process. It is about ensuring accountability while allowing investigators sufficient time to establish the facts,” he said.

He said clear timelines, regular communication and proper documentation of investigation outcomes would help strengthen public confidence in enforcement agencies, particularly in cases involving allegations of corruption, abuse of power or revenue leakage.

Jeyenderan said a transparent approach would also provide greater certainty to businesses and industry players while ensuring that enforcement agencies retained the independence and discretion necessary to conduct their investigations.

MACC had previously informed him that the report had been received and referred to its Information Assessment Committee, with the investigation subsequently proceeding.

Jeyenderan had also said he was informed that the probe remained ongoing.