The commission sets a RM10 billion recovery target for 2026, focusing on smuggling and state-level leaks after reclaiming RM15.5 billion in the previous two years.
KOTA BHARU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has set a target to recover RM10 billion in misappropriated funds and lost state revenue this year.
Chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said achieving this requires all enforcement agencies to intensify efforts, with a sharp focus on curbing smuggling operations.
“There is widespread smuggling,” Azam said during a press conference here.
He stressed that agencies must pursue all avenues as smuggling directly deprives the state of tax revenue.
He explained that seizing contraband is not enough, and investigations must trace the trade’s history to reclaim lost funds accumulated over years.
Azam reported that the Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) successfully recovered RM15.5 billion from leakage and misappropriation cases between 2023 and 2024.
He has directed all state MACC directors to focus on specific regional issues to combat local revenue leakage.
“Each state has its own ‘burning issue’,” he said, citing Kelantan’s challenges with border enforcement, smuggling, and illegal logging.
He added that enforcement must also concentrate on administrative integrity within each state.
“This step must be taken even if it is unpopular,” Azam stated, emphasising the MACC’s duty to properly address corruption and misconduct.
