KUALA LUMPUR – The government is confident that significant funds still lost or stolen from the country can be reclaimed, far surpassing the RM15.5 billion recovered in the past two years.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed this optimism, citing the ongoing commitment and integrity of the civil service, local media reported.
He acknowledged the substantial challenges faced in enforcing recovery efforts, stressing that these require the collaboration of various agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Home Ministry, and the Malaysian Competition Commission.
"Thanks to this cooperation and dedication, we have seen positive results, such as the RM15.5 billion collected from stolen funds and those affected by fraud over the past two years," Anwar said. "This is our right, the people’s right, which was stolen due to gaps in our system, allowing certain groups to take advantage and cause losses."
Despite the progress, Anwar expressed that the current amount is still insufficient. “If you ask me if this is enough, I am not confident that RM15.5 billion is all that we can recover,” he continued. “We accept this challenge as a family, including Customs, to recover funds lost, stolen, or leaked, and we will succeed in saving our nation.”
Anwar made these comments during his speech at the 44th World Customs Day celebration in Cyberjaya, which was attended by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, and Customs Director-General Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin.
Earlier, Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, reminded JKDM personnel not to become complacent with their achievements so far. Instead, he urged them to continue improving performance, efficiency, and integrity as the core of their public service delivery.
He further remarked that despite Malaysia’s encouraging economic growth and positive indicators like a strengthened ringgit, these achievements were still not sufficient to elevate the country to a higher global standing.
"Therefore, it is crucial to shift our mindset, embrace new realities, and cultivate the spirit of continuous improvement to ensure Malaysia’s continued progress in an increasingly competitive economic landscape," he added.
Anwar also acknowledged that while many government officers serve with excellence, there are still significant weaknesses within enforcement agencies that allow for systemic leaks. He attributed these vulnerabilities to the current system, which has opened the door for exploitation, depriving citizens of funds that should have benefited them.
“The collaboration among agencies such as Customs, MACC, and PDRM has enabled the recovery of over RM15.5 billion in the past two years from stolen funds,” said Anwar.
“As a Malaysian, I take great pride in the performance of the Royal Customs Department. But we cannot stop here. There is still much more to do to ensure that no funds are lost again.”
Anwar concluded by reaffirming the government’s resolve to restore every stolen or leaked cent, thus safeguarding the nation and its people. - January 26, 2026
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