CYBERJAYA, 15 June - The MACC organised the Anti-Corruption Symposium with Malaysian Shipowners which was attended by 80representatives of maritime industry players including owners of shipping companies operating in the country.

The symposium jointly organised by the Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT), the Malaysian Shipowners Association(MASA) and MISC Berhad was attended by MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner(Prevention) Datuk Seri Norazlan Mohd Razali in a ceremony held at Wisma MISC.

Datuk Seri Norazlan in his closing speech ofthe symposium said the maritime industry, which includes port, shipping and marine transportation activities, is important to the country as 90% of Malaysia's exports are by sea.

He said, for that reason, it is important for all maritime industry players to protect the reputation of their own organizations as well as the country from corruption that has an impact on the economy.

"Although the number of corruption cases occurring in this industry is still small and involves low-level staff as detected by the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) of Denmark, it cannot be used as a justification for this matter is not serious or does not require attention," he said.

He said every player in the maritime industry including ship owners, port authorities, government authorities and vendors or third party agents should play a role in stopping any corruption crime, thus making the port area free from corruption.

He said the symposium is expected to be a catalyst for knowledge sharing and exchange of ideas among the participants.

Meanwhile, MASA Chairman Mohamed Safwan Othman said the symposium enables shipping industry players to obtain information on corruption in the industry that could affect the country's economy and the industry itself.

"Many cases of leakage and corruption occurred in the country's shipping industry, but were not reported. Through this symposium, participants were given exposure on the dangers of corruption including leakage and integrity issues in the maritime industry.

"This symposium is a good initiative that can raise awareness to these maritime industry players in jointly curbing corruption and reporting to the MACC if corruption occurs," he said.

Also present, Division Secretary (Maritime)MOT, Muhamad Fade'li Abdul Shukor; General Manager of Port Klang Authority, Captain K. Subramaniam and President Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MISC Group, Captain Rajalingam Subramanian.