Which do you prefer - Customs Syndicate or Private Syndicate?

Today’s news is quite interesting – some people have been conned into paying deposits for cars that they believe are for auction.

But we now know that the cream of the auction cars is reserved for preferred clients of the Customs department with all kinds of “close one eye” practices.

No wonder some gullible folks have lost their money to con men.

If you visit the Customs website,they do not have any information on cars to be auctioned in the various centers.

Considering the limited lack of information that caused an MP to feel left out of the goodies giveaway, it would be good for all taxpayers to know when and where such auctions are being held.
To reduce costs it is not necessary to give all the details of all the items but just an overall description like:

Johor Baru Customs Auction on (date) at 9am

Seized cars 20
Seized motorbikes 10
Sugar 30 tons
Rice 20 tons
Alcohol 50 cases

Intending bidders are invited to inspect goods daily from 2pm to 4 pm at (location) and also check terms of the auction such as duties to be paid and reserve prices.
Intending bidders must purchase an information package costing RM10 each.
Full descriptions of all items are available on the Customs web-site.

It is really astonishing that even in 2006 we do not proper systems to ensure that the Treasury maximises the returns on good seized.

If the Customs cannot do the necessary, it may be more profitable for the government if all seized goods are managed and auctioned by a private company that is allowed to retain say 15% of the proceeds or RM10m per year whichever is less.

Photo: http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/police/operations/BaitCar/images/ParkingLot.jpg