Kuala Lumpur: A total of RM177 million in assets, including cash and gold bars, has been seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as part of an investigation involving former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki announced that this seizure is the largest recorded by the commission in the first quarter of the year, contributing to a total of RM483.38 million in assets seized under the MACC Act 2009.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azam Baki clarified that the RM177 million pertains specifically to asset seizures, while freezing actions fall under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFA). He made these remarks during a press conference at the launch of Cakna Rasuah, a MACC initiative with the Sabah media, also attended by Sabah Journalists Association president Datuk Muguntan Vanar.

Ismail Sabri, who represents Bera in parliament, is under investigation for alleged corruption and money laundering related to funds used for the promotion of the Keluarga Malaysia programme during his leadership from August 2021 to November 2022. The investigation is being conducted under the MACC Act 2009 and AMLATFA 2001.

Azam further disclosed that asset freezes under AMLATFA alone reached RM548.97 million during the same period. Forfeitures under the MACC Act 2009, AMLATFA 2001, and the Criminal Procedure Code amounted to RM603,363.29, with compound payments totaling RM412,000.

He added that 319 investigation papers were opened, leading to 401 arrests and charges against 146 individuals. The focus remains on resolving these cases, aiming to secure charges and recover assets.