KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency has seized criminal assets worth more than RM31.4bn and forfeited almost RM28bn over the past five years, its chief Tan Sri Azam Baki said.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said the total included major operations such as “Op Metal” against a steel smuggling syndicate, which led to asset seizures valued at over RM183m.
Other notable cases included the confiscation of RM620m in property linked to a fibre network project, and RM32m in luxury items — including 217 watches and 27 branded handbags — from the home of a man with the honorific “Tan Sri”.
In another case involving the misappropriation of highway construction funds, the commission seized more than RM36m in cash, luxury cars and bank accounts.
“These operations are clear proof that the MACC is proactive in detecting, investigating and taking firm action against those involved in corruption and money laundering,” Azam said in a statement today.
He described the confiscation and forfeiture of assets as a critical step in ensuring criminals do not benefit from illicit activities, adding: “This sends a clear message that crime will never pay.”
Azam said one of the core roles of the MACC’s Anti-Money Laundering Division is to recover and forfeit both movable and immovable property derived from criminal activity. The division is currently managing 41 immovable assets pending disposal.
“These figures are not just statistics — they reflect the MACC’s commitment to returning criminal proceeds to the nation,” he said.
Azam added that the effort not only restores funds to the country but also helps rebuild public confidence in Malaysia’s enforcement agencies. — August 15, 2025
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