Corporate Crimes: RM4.3 Billion Frozen, RM1 Billion Seized Since Late 2022 - PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysia Police’s (PDRM) Anti-Money Laundering (AMLA) Investigation Team has frozen RM4.3 billion in funds and seized RM1 billion in assets linked to alleged corporate crimes between late 2022 and September 2026.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said enforcement action during the same period also resulted in the forfeiture of RM48.3 million in assets and the issuance of compounds totalling RM1.1 billion.

He said the measures reflected the government's commitment and determination to combat abuse of power, misconduct and legal violations involving the corporate and business sectors.

“Enforcement efforts require clear commitment and firm action. As to whether all cases should be made public, I leave that to the enforcement authorities,” he said.

Anwar was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (PH-Port Dickson) during Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Aminuddin had sought an update on allegations of corporate mafia activities involving legal violations and the enforcement measures taken against those involved.

Elaborating, Anwar said 70 individuals had been investigated under Op Viking, involving the freezing and seizure of assets, including eight properties, 11 vehicles, 417 Central Depository System (CDS) accounts, 70 share trading accounts valued at RM323 million and 404 bank accounts containing RM85.6 million.

On overall asset recovery, Anwar said RM37.53 billion had been recovered through joint efforts by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and other relevant agencies.

Of that amount, RM28 billion had been used to settle debts incurred by 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

Responding to Aminuddin’s supplementary question on the need to amend existing legislation, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the Finance Ministry was drafting legislation governing state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which was expected to be tabled next year.

“However, existing laws enforced by BNM, the Securities Commission (SC), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and MACC are considered adequate for now. What is needed is clear direction and political determination.

“I have seen considerable criticism, but it makes no mention of corporate crimes involving tens of billions of ringgit in the past, as though certain parties are being protected. Our position is that any information obtained, without exception, must be disclosed and investigated as necessary,” he said.

The Prime Minister also said Malaysia had received high recognition in the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) Mutual Evaluation Report 2025 for its stringent financial recovery measures.

Responding to a question from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) on perceptions that corruption was associated only with certain political parties, Anwar assured that the government would not tolerate wrongdoing by anyone, including members of his own party.

He said the government had directed the Attorney General to lead a multi-agency task force comprising the PDRM, MACC, BNM, SC and LHDN to ensure more transparent and effective coordination of investigations into corporate-related cases.

Anwar said a comprehensive report on the investigations would be prepared within three months and made public.

“This will demonstrate that no one is being protected. If there are allegations backed by evidence, bring them forward, regardless of who is named.

“But let us ensure full disclosure through the special task force headed by the Attorney General,” he said.

-- BERNAMA