Further action against MBI only after gathering enough evidence, says Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR: Further action against the digital currency provider MBI will only be taken once the authorities gather enough evidence, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said.
He said until then, the multi-agency team tasked with the investigation could not act against those involved in the MBI, including its founder.
Hamzah said this when asked whether any legal action would be taken soon against MBI after a recent blitz against the company.
"When we want to take any action, we need to really make sure what offence they have committed," he said.
"We cannot accuse anyone although there were reports made by several parties. We need to conduct investigations," he told reporters after attending the ministry's Aidilfitri open house at Menara Kembar Bank Rakyat here yesterday.
The founder of the group was detained by the special task force on June 19 but was released on police bail two days later.
The joint operation against MBI was coordinated by the National Revenue Recovery Enforcement Team of the Attorney-General's Chambers, with involvement of other agencies including the ministry's enforcement arm.
Several raids conducted by the team had resulted for the freezing of bank accounts worth millions of ringgit linked to the MBI.
Hamzah said the task force was still looking into the matter and would ensure that any action taken is based on existing laws.
Commenting on the retail price of petrol, Hamzah said the liberalisation of the industry would mean that every petrol station would be independent to set its own price.
"Once (the industry) is liberalised, it is going to be that way. It is going to be a long way but we are going towards that direction," he added.