By Hakim Mahari September 25, 2025 @ 3:13pm (New Straits Times)

SEPANG: The Airfreight Forwarders Association of Malaysia (AFAM) has pledged to uphold integrity and transparency in the logistics industry, stressing that corruption must not be tolerated in the sector that underpins the nation’s economy.

AFAM chairman Thomas Mathew said the industry plays a crucial role in moving millions of goods and supporting thousands of jobs, and therefore must be anchored not only in efficiency and scale but also in trust and ethical values.

“Our borders must be secure, our systems must be fair, and corruption must never be tolerated.

“Integrity is not optional — it is the foundation that allows the industry to grow, attract global partners and remain competitive,” he said.

Thomas made the remarks in his closing address at the Anti-Corruption Symposium 2025: Combating Corruption Together with Inter-Enforcement Agencies in the Airfreight Sector.

At the same event, participants recited the Ikrar Benteras Rasuah and signed an industry-wide integrity pledge.

He said the symposium stemmed from discussions first held on Oct 3 last year at the Customs Department headquarters, where regulators and industry players agreed on the need to foster transparency and collective responsibility across the sector.

“This gathering is not a mere formality. It is a call for united action from government agencies, private operators and industry stakeholders,” he said.

“Together, we must safeguard the integrity of our logistics system, not just for ourselves but for the nation as a whole.”

He also urged participants to carry the commitments made today into daily operations, from inspections, clearances, documentation or decision-making.

“The pledge is more than words — it represents our shared determination to embed ethics and integrity into every process.

“It reflects the values with which we want our industry to be defined, not only in Malaysia but in the global arena.”

Thomas said integrity was a collective shield against risks that could undermine both the industry’s reputation and the nation’s economic interests.

“Our industry is unique in its efficiency and scale, but it is also fragile if trust is lost.

“By standing firm against corruption, we protect not only our businesses but also the livelihoods of the thousands of workers and communities who depend on us.”

Concluding, he expressed hope the event would mark the start of stronger collaboration and enduring partnerships among stakeholders.

“May today be remembered as the point where we strengthened our resolve — a point of lasting change that will see the logistics sector stand united in upholding integrity, ethical values and the principles of transparency.

“Together, we can ensure a future where Malaysia’s airfreight industry is respected not just for its efficiency, but also for its honesty.”

News Link:  AFAM pledges zero tolerance for corruption in airfreight industry