KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized assets worth more than RM31.4 billion over the past five years, with almost RM28 billion of that amount successfully forfeited to the government.
The seizures stemmed from investigations into smuggling syndicates, misappropriation of funds and luxury assets acquired through criminal activity — including properties, cash, luxury vehicles, branded watches, and designer handbags.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the achievement was the result of various investigation operations that not only dismantled corruption and money laundering activities but also recovered misappropriated national assets.
“In the past five years, MACC has successfully seized assets worth more than RM31.4 billion and forfeited nearly RM28 billion.
“This includes major operations such as Op Metal, which saw the seizure of assets worth more than RM183 million following raids on a steel smuggling syndicate,” he said in a statement today.
Other seizures included RM620 million worth of property linked to a fibre network project, as well as RM32 million in luxury assets from the residence of a “Tan Sri,” which comprised 217 luxury watches and 27 branded handbags.
“In a separate case involving the misappropriation of highway construction funds, MACC seized more than RM36 million in assets, including cash, luxury cars, and bank accounts,” Azam said.
He added that one of MACC’s key roles through its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Division is to recover and forfeit both immovable and movable properties obtained through criminal activity.
“This effort is significant not only in returning assets to the nation but, more importantly, in restoring public confidence in the country’s enforcement agencies.
All these operations clearly show that MACC remains proactive in detecting, investigating, and taking firm action against those involved in corruption and money laundering,” he said.
Azam stressed that the seizure and forfeiture of assets is a critical step in ensuring that criminals are unable to enjoy the proceeds of their illegal activities, sending a strong message that crime does not pay.
However, he acknowledged that disposing of forfeited immovable property is not straightforward, as it involves complex legal compliance and lengthy processes, especially when appeals or legal disputes arise.
Currently, the MACC is managing 41 properties awaiting disposal, with the main challenge being the lack of a uniform mechanism and specific allocation for maintenance and legal costs.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
