The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has set an ambitious target to recover RM10 billion in misappropriated public funds and lost state revenue in 2026, with enforcement agencies urged to act decisively even if their actions prove unpopular.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the goal has been assigned to the Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF), which brings together various enforcement bodies to address revenue leakages, corruption, and financial misconduct across the country. He stressed that meeting the target would require stronger coordination and intensified enforcement efforts, particularly against smuggling activities that continue to drain government coffers.
Speaking at a press conference after the Corruption Awareness Programme involving MACC and East Zone media in Kota Bharu on January 22, 2026, Azam highlighted smuggling as a major contributor to revenue losses. He noted that enforcement should not stop at intercepting illegal goods, such as contraband cigarettes, but must trace the full history of such operations to determine how long the activities have persisted and how much revenue has been lost over time. Recovering those losses, he said, is a key priority that has been repeatedly emphasised to MACC directors at the state level.
Azam revealed that between 2023 and 2024, the MATF had already succeeded in recovering RM15.5 billion linked to cases involving financial leakages, corruption, and misappropriation. He said this demonstrated that sustained and coordinated enforcement could deliver tangible results for the country’s finances.
He further explained that each state faces different challenges and that enforcement strategies must reflect local realities. Border states such as Kelantan, for example, are more vulnerable to issues including cross-border smuggling, illegal logging, and weak border controls, all of which contribute to significant tax losses. Addressing these problems, he said, is essential not only for safeguarding revenue but also for strengthening overall governance.
Beyond field enforcement, Azam said attention must also be given to administrative weaknesses within state governments and agencies. Ensuring integrity in procedures, approvals, and oversight mechanisms is necessary to prevent recurring leakages and abuse of power.
He acknowledged that firm enforcement measures may draw criticism or resistance, particularly when influential interests are affected. However, he stressed that acting decisively against corruption and misconduct is a core responsibility of the MACC and cannot be compromised for the sake of popularity.
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