Govt seizes RM169 million haul in cash allegedly linked to former PM Ismail Sabri

A STAGGERING RM169 million in cash, seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and alleged to belong to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, has been formally forfeited to the federal government following a High Court ruling on Wednesday.

Judge Suzana Hussin granted the forfeiture order under Section 41(1) of the MACC Act 2009 after confirming that no third parties had come forward to claim ownership of the funds. Neither Ismail Sabri nor his former political secretary, Datuk Mohammad Anuar Mohd Yunus – both named as respondents – objected to the prosecution's application.

“The court allows the forfeiture since there are no third-party claims and both respondents have not contested the application,” Suzana ruled.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat earlier informed the court that the Government Gazette notice had been filed electronically on 22 September, fulfilling the requirement to notify any parties with potential claims.

The total sum seized comprises various currencies, including RM14.77 million, SGD6.13 million, USD1.46 million, CHF3 million (Swiss francs), EUR12.16 million, JPY363 million, GBP50,250, NZD44,600, AED34.75 million (UAE dirhams) and AUD352,850.

According to the MACC, the funds were confiscated from Mohammad Anuar, but investigations revealed they were linked to Ismail Sabri and connected to an offence under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act – specifically, the failure to declare assets when instructed by the commission.

In June, it was reported that MACC would move to forfeit over RM170 million in assets, including 16 kilograms of gold bullion, discovered during raids on three locations, including a safe house allegedly associated with Ismail Sabri.

At a March press conference, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki unveiled photographs of the seized cash – a haul comprising multiple international currencies – and gold bars valued at nearly RM7 million. The seizures were made in connection with an ongoing investigation into corruption and money laundering. - October 1, 2025