SHAH ALAM, Oct 20 — Bukit Aman’s Anti-Money Laundering Investigation Team (AMLA) has frozen assets amounting to RM4.3 billion and seized RM1 billion in investigations into corporate mafia activities between late 2022 and September this year, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said AMLA also forfeited RM48.3 million and issued RM1.1 billion in compounds in the same period, to combat abuse of power and money laundering in the business and corporate sector.
He said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seized funds totalling RM37.53 billion in the cases.
“In this context (seizures by BNM and the MACC), a portion that amounts to RM28 billion relates to the investigation into 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and its debts.
“A sum of RM28 billion out of this RM37.53 billion is intended to settle or pay off 1MDB's debts,” he told the Lower House during Minister’s Question Time today in reply to Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun’s (Harapan-Port Dickson) question about allegations of “corporate mafia” involving breaches of the law and action taken.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the Securities Commission (SC) has ramped up enforcement efforts since 2023, having initiated 239 criminal charges against 50 people.
He said SC is continuing its investigations into several corporate transactions, including cases involving Serba Dinamik and Sarawak Consolidated Industries.
Anwar added that the anti-money laundering Op Viking has led to 70 people being investigated through 2026.
“As part of the operation, authorities froze and seized eight properties, 11 vehicles, and 417 accounts, including stock trading and Central Depository System (CDS) accounts and 404 bank accounts containing a total of RM85.6 million,” he added.
Anwar assured that the government will not protect anyone involved in the “corporate mafia”, saying a special task force led by the attorney-general has been established to coordinate investigations.
The task force comprises enforcement agencies including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), and SC.
“I have asked for a comprehensive report to be prepared, (to ensure) the public does not perceive a lack of transparency or suspect that certain parties are being shielded. This report must be completed within three months. This is not just a report for civil servants or the government; I have requested that it be made public.
“If there is evidence, bring it to light, regardless of who is involved. For instance, the names mentioned earlier include (Tan Sri) Azam Baki, (Datuk Seri) Farhash Wafa Salvado, and Victor Chin,” he said, referring to an MACC ex-chief and two business figures.
Anwar said this in reply to a supplementary question from Mohd Sany Hamzan (Harapan-Hulu Langat) about whether the government would protect anyone involved in the corporate mafia.
