KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — The Customs Department has denied allegations circulating on social media that its director-general misused government funds for a personal vacation in Bangkok, Thailand.

According to the viral post, Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin allegedly traveled to Bangkok with family members on a business class flight paid for by public funds.

In a statement yesterday, the department called the claims unfounded and irresponsible.

It said the two-day leave of the DG, which was taken on October 30 and November 1, was approved through the HRMIS system by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, in line with the procedures.

She was also given approval to travel abroad for personal reasons, in accordance with General Circular No. 3 of 2012, which regulates the private international travel of public officials.

The department said Anis Rizana covered all expenses for her private visit and no department funds were used for her travel, accommodation or other expenses related to the trip to Bangkok.

The customs department also said it has filed a police report over the allegations, which it also urged the public not to continue spreading.

Earlier, DG Customs was accused of intervening in the arrest and investigation of a luxury car smuggling syndicate in Sarawak, which the department also denied.

But the allegations of abuse and improprieties against her continue to circulate on social media platforms.