FIRM ENFORCEMENT PREVENTS OVER RM15 BLN IN LOSSES IN PAST TWO YEARS – PM ANWAR

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today that firm enforcement by various government agencies over the past two years has prevented leakages amounting to RM15.5 billion, describing it as the most effective effort to curb revenue loss in the country's history.

The Prime Minister said this success was the result of uncompromising and coordinated action by a multi-agency task force comprising the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Inland Revenue Board (IRB), Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and other agencies.

“If there had been no effective enforcement, we wouldn’t have recovered this RM15 billion. The enforcement has been firm and courageous, and as far as I know, this is the most effective and successful in history.

“When you look at the records of seizures and anti-smuggling efforts and others I mentioned, it really amounts to RM15 billion. That is why I am giving special appreciation to the enforcement teams for their efforts,” he said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng (BN-Tanjung Piai), who asked why firm enforcement actions had not been taken earlier and about the number of prosecutions carried out.

Anwar stressed that the government will not compromise on any form of corruption, smuggling or scam activities, adding that 20 cases have already been brought to court, with follow-up action being pursued by the Attorney General.

He said the courage shown by the agencies in taking on powerful cartels, including secret societies and international crime syndicates, was made possible only through firm political support and protection assured by the country’s top leadership.

“It’s not easy; they are fighting against big companies and influential cartels. They need clear political will and backing. That’s why, from the end of 2023 until 2025, we’ve managed to prevent leakages, corruption and smuggling — that’s where the RM15.5 billion came from.

“Just imagine how extensive those leakages had been, how many cartels were involved… this didn’t happen just this year or three years ago, but over many years,” he said. 

The Prime Minister stressed that the mission to rid the nation of corruption, leakages and smuggling must continue, including through the enhancement of advanced equipment use at the country’s borders.

This includes the use of digital systems, closed-circuit television, body-worn cameras, cargo scanners and the establishment of a Centralised Screening Complex to strengthen border control, he said.

He also explained that the proceeds from seizures and asset recoveries are channelled into the Consolidated Fund before being allocated according to national spending needs for key sectors such as education, health and defence.

The Prime Minister also gave his assurance that he would consider a proposal for a small portion of the proceeds seized under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (Act 234) to be allocated towards drug rehabilitation efforts through non-governmental organisations and community programmes.

“I agree, I will give it consideration... a portion can be allocated for drug rehabilitation programmes,” he said in response to a supplementary question and proposal from Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi), who suggested that part of the seized assets under Act 234 be used for drug rehabilitation programmes.

-- BERNAMA