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THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has set a three-week deadline to complete its investigation into the ‘counter setting’ syndicate accused of facilitating the illegal entry of foreigners through the country’s main border checkpoints.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said no further arrests had been made in the ongoing investigation, but confirmed that the probe remains active and high-priority.
“As I stated last week, the situation remains unchanged. The previous arrests and detentions still stand, and investigations are being finalised. No new arrests have been made,” he said on Tuesday.
He added that he had personally instructed MACC’s investigative team to expedite the process and conclude their findings within three weeks.
“After that, if there are developments indicating whether charges can be filed, I will inform the media as soon as possible,” Azam told reporters at the Malaysian Corruption Watch’s (MCW) eighth anniversary event held at the Multimedia University’s Dewan Tun Canselor.
The investigation stems from Op Rentas, a large-scale anti-corruption operation launched on 9 September.
To date, 30 individuals have been arrested — including 18 enforcement agency personnel, five company owners and three civilians. Of these, 27 were remanded to assist in investigations.
All suspects are believed to be involved in a criminal syndicate offering illegal ‘counter setting’ services, which allowed foreign nationals to bypass standard immigration procedures at Malaysian entry points.
As part of the crackdown, MACC seized various high-value assets including luxury vehicles, motorcycles, gold jewellery, telecommunications devices, handbags and watches — the total value of which is still being assessed.
In addition, over RM200,000 in cash was confiscated and 57 bank accounts frozen. These include 48 personal accounts and nine company accounts, amounting to more than RM2.7 million.
The commission has yet to confirm when charges may be brought forward but reiterated its commitment to transparency and swift action in cases of systemic corruption. - September 24, 2025