Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed enforcement agencies to take firm action against cartels, smuggling syndicates, and scammers that have been operating for decades and were previously untouched.
Speaking in Parliament, Anwar said some syndicates were well-known, but authorities had been reluctant to act due to their influence, strong backing, and vast financial resources.
“It is not easy to confront large companies and powerful cartels, not just in Malaysia but across the region. It requires strong political support and determination. That’s why from the end of 2023 until 2025, we have managed to prevent leakages, corruption, and smuggling,” he said.
He added that previously, illegal activities worth RM15.5 billion had gone unchecked over many years.
“These are not issues that arose this year or even in the past three to five years. Some illegal companies have been operating for 20 years without action. When we act now, it is based on evidence, not revenge,” he stressed.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, called for closer collaboration among enforcement agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). He emphasized the need for agencies to share information and take decisive action against powerful cartels and scammers, regardless of their influence or position.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) regarding the current value of assets seized and penalties collected by enforcement agencies, as well as efforts to strengthen measures against revenue leakages.
Anwar detailed the latest figures, saying that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) recovered over RM8 billion, which was returned to the government and deposited into the Finance Ministry’s fund. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) seized nearly RM4 billion in assets, while the Royal Malaysian Customs disrupted illegal smuggling and confiscated goods worth RM2.5 billion. In addition, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) collected RM1 billion in penalties.
“These figures are not small. They demonstrate the government’s determination to combat corruption, syndicates, and smuggling that have persisted for decades,” he said.
He also highlighted cases such as e-waste smuggling, which had been ongoing for years, as examples of long-standing illegal activities that were now being addressed under the MADANI government.
Anwar praised enforcement agencies for their courage and commitment in taking on these long-standing issues.
