SINGAPORE — A Malaysian woman who attempted to bring into Singapore more than $20,000 of undeclared currencies was stopped by the authorities at Woodlands Checkpoint on April 25.
The woman was entering Singapore by car, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a Facebook post on Saturday (May 13).
"Officers had profiled the Malaysia-registered vehicle for thorough checks and uncovered stacks of currencies wrapped in a pink plastic bag, placed inside the vehicle's centre console," it said.
The case was referred to the police for further investigation.
Under the law, travellers entering or leaving Singapore carrying physical currency and bearer negotiable instruments - such as a cheque or bearer form — exceeding $20,000, or its equivalent in a foreign currency, are required to submit a report to the police.
"This reporting requirement is part of the efforts to combat international money laundering and terrorism financing," ICA said.
The failure to report is an offence that carries a fine of up to $50,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both. The items may also be seized and upon conviction, may also be confiscated.
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This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
