PUTRAJAYA: The Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) recorded 3,523 arrests between 2023 and 2025, comprising high-profile operations such as Ops Samba 2.0, Ops Taufan, Ops Yellow, Ops Counter Setting and Ops Bunga.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the achievement reflected the agency’s real ability in cracking down on corruption and financial crimes in an integrated manner.
“More importantly, the success in uncovering large-scale organised syndicates through operations like Ops White, Ops Kingfruit, Ops X, Ops Sikaro, Ops Metal, Ops Karen and Ops Grip, proves that the MATF’s approach is capable of penetrating complex, structured criminal networks across various sectors,” he said.
He said this during the MATF Engagement Session: Way Forward at the MACC Headquarters here today.
In terms of asset recovery, Azam said that in 2025 alone, it recorded seizures totalling RM6.87 billion, in addition to asset freezing, forfeiture, compounds and settlements that involved substantial value and had a direct impact on the country’s revenue.
He said that as MATF’s lead agency, the MACC also spearheaded the implementation of several high-impact operations, such as Operasi 82S, Ops Tropicana, Ops Eagle and Ops Litre, proving that a whole-of-government approach is no longer an option, but a necessity in addressing the current crime landscape.
On the issue of illegal electronic waste (e-waste) and plastic waste smuggling, he said that under Ops Metal, it was found that Malaysia has become a dumping ground for illicit waste from abroad, including activities such as document falsification, cargo misdeclaration and abuse of import permits.
“More worryingly, there are elements of corruption at enforcement levels that enable containers to pass through entry points without proper inspections.
“This is not just an environmental issue, but crimes affecting the country’s economy and sovereignty. Not only does the country have to bear the risk of pollution, but it also risks losing its revenue and reputation internationally,” he said.
On the issue of “corporate mafia”, Azam said such groups do not operate openly, but move in an organised manner, using legitimate corporate structures to evade enforcement, and are supported by networks of professionals, such as accountants, lawyers, consultants and insiders within certain agencies.
“In almost all these cases, the one constant is that corruption is the main enabler. Without corruption, these syndicates won’t last. Without internal protection, they won’t be able to move for so long and so systematically.
“That’s why I always stress that the MACC is the ‘last gatekeeper’, and we must not merely investigate corruption, but break the chain of crime itself. When corruption is stopped, the entire criminal ecosystem will collapse… however, to achieve this, the MACC cannot go it alone,” he said.
The MATF comprises several main government agencies, with the MACC as the lead in coordinating investigations and international negotiations.
It also involves the Attorney-General’s Chambers, which handles legal actions and forfeiture; Bank Negara Malaysia, which provides financial transaction data; and the Inland Revenue Board, the Royal Malaysia Police and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, which support criminal investigations. – BERNAMA
