Malaysia’s Multi-Agency Task Force has arrested 3,523 individuals and seized RM6.87 billion in assets since 2023, targeting complex criminal syndicates and corruption.
PUTRAJAYA: The Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) has made 3,523 arrests between 2023 and 2025. These resulted from major operations including Ops Samba 2.0, Ops Taufan, and Ops Yellow.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the achievement reflects the agency’s integrated ability to crack down on corruption and financial crimes. He was speaking at the MATF Engagement Session at the MACC Headquarters.
He highlighted success in uncovering large-scale organised syndicates through various operations. This proves the MATF’s approach can penetrate complex criminal networks across sectors.
In 2025 alone, asset seizures totalled RM6.87 billion. This figure is in addition to asset freezing, forfeiture, compounds, and settlements with substantial value.
Azam said these actions have a direct impact on the country’s revenue. As the lead agency, the MACC has spearheaded several high-impact operations.
These include Operasi 82S, Ops Tropicana, and Ops Eagle. Azam stated a whole-of-government approach is now a necessity in addressing crime.
On illegal e-waste and plastic waste smuggling, he said Ops Metal found Malaysia has become a dumping ground. This involves document falsification and abuse of import permits.
“More worryingly, there are elements of corruption at enforcement levels that enable containers to pass through entry points without proper inspections,” he said.
He stressed this is not just an environmental issue but a crime affecting the economy and sovereignty. The country risks pollution, lost revenue, and international reputation damage.
On the issue of “corporate mafia”, Azam said such groups use legitimate corporate structures to evade enforcement. They are supported by networks of professionals like accountants and lawyers.
“In almost all these cases, the one constant is that corruption is the main enabler. Without corruption, these syndicates won’t last,” he said.
He emphasised that the MACC is the ‘last gatekeeper’ and must break the chain of crime itself. Stopping corruption can cause the entire criminal ecosystem to collapse.
However, Azam noted the MACC cannot achieve this alone. The MATF comprises several key government agencies with the MACC leading coordination.
It involves the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Bank Negara Malaysia, and the Inland Revenue Board. The Royal Malaysia Police and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department also support criminal investigations.