AMLA freezes RM4.3 billion in assets since 2022

Malaysia's Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) investigation team has frozen RM4.3 billion in assets between 2022 and September 2026. During this period, authorities also seized RM1 billion and forfeited RM48.3 million.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reported these figures during a parliamentary session, noting that RM1.1 billion in compounds were issued to combat money laundering and abuse of power in corporate activities. Enforcement actions targeted various offenses, including stock market manipulation, breaches of corporate disclosure requirements, and illegal money lending involving threats.

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has increased enforcement since 2023, initiating 239 criminal charges against 50 individuals. Investigations continue into corporate transactions involving entities such as Serba Dinamik and Sarawak Consolidated. Additionally, 'Op Viking' has investigated 70 individuals, resulting in the freezing and seizure of properties, vehicles, and hundreds of bank and stock trading accounts.

On a broader scale, assets and funds recovered through the efforts of Bank Negara Malaysia, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and other agencies have reached RM37.53 billion, with RM28 billion of that amount used to settle 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) debts.