The Sessions Court here has ruled that the 11-count money laundering case involving former Army Chief (PTD) Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his wife, Salwani Anuar @ Kamaruddin, will be heard together in a joint trial. Judge Azura Alwi granted the application by the prosecution today, noting that the defence teams for both accused offered no objections to the merger of the various charges previously spread across multiple jurisdictions.
The application for a joint trial was moved by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat, who argued that the cases against the couple involve identical witnesses, facts, and predicate offences. Under the provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA) and the Criminal Procedure Code, the prosecution maintained that a consolidated trial would ensure judicial efficiency. Previously, the charges were scattered across Sessions Courts in Shah Alam, Kuala Terengganu, and Kuala Lumpur before being centralised here.
Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain faces a total of six charges involving the receipt of illegal proceeds amounting to approximately RM2.7 million. These funds were allegedly deposited into three of his personal bank accounts at various locations, including Bukit Damansara and Ampang, between February 2024 and November 2025. If convicted under Subsection 4(1)(b) of AMLATFPUAA, the former top general faces a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of at least five times the value of the illegal proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher.
His wife, Salwani Anuar, faces five related charges involving the receipt of sums ranging from RM5,000 to RM50,000. The prosecution alleges these transactions took place at bank branches in Damansara Heights and Kerteh between late 2024 and early 2025. Her charges are read together with Subsection 87(1)(a) of the same Act, carrying the same heavy penalties as those faced by her husband. The court was informed that the bulk of these transactions occurred through high-end commercial hubs and suburban branches.
Following the decision to consolidate the proceedings, Judge Azura Alwi has set 18 May for the next mention of the case to facilitate the formal submission of documents. The court also confirmed that the bail previously granted to both Muhammad Hafizuddeain and Salwani will be maintained under existing conditions. As the legal process moves toward the discovery phase, the joint trial is expected to provide a comprehensive look at the alleged flow of illegal funds through the couple’s various financial accounts over the 21-month period.
