Malaysia

MACC probes misuse of public funds by NGOs and companies

The MACC opens multiple investigations from 2023 to 2026 into alleged embezzlement involving non-governmental organisations, cooperatives, and government-funded companies

Updated 6 months ago · Published on 22 Jan 2026 12:39PM

MACC probes misuse of public funds by NGOs and companies
Azam Baki says several companies that had received government loans are under investigation for alleged financial irregularities - January 22, 2026

THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched three investigations spanning the period from 2023 to 2026 into allegations of public fund misuse by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), cooperatives, and several companies receiving government financing.

Tan Sri Azam Baki, the MACC Chief Commissioner, revealed that certain NGOs awarded government allocations were found to have misappropriated funds, while similar issues were detected in the management of cooperatives.

He also confirmed that several companies that had received government loans are under investigation for alleged financial irregularities.

“Several investigations have also been opened regarding procurement issues, including asset purchases and development projects, with a total of 26 investigation files recorded,” Tan Sri Azam said during a live broadcast at Kelantan FM studios today.

He noted that these cases are not confined to any single state, with similar patterns emerging nationwide. “It is the same across all states, even at the headquarters level. If a state manages more funds, the losses involved are generally higher,” he said.

Addressing enforcement at the state level, Azam explained that 13 investigations had been initiated, typically concerning minor and isolated offences.

“For enforcement cases at the state level, they usually involve minor and isolated offences. I often remind officers not to waste energy on trivial matters, as disciplinary action can be taken through other channels,” he said.

The MACC chief emphasised that the commission is now adopting a more targeted approach, concentrating resources on large-scale, high-impact cases.

This shift reflects an effort to focus on investigations that could significantly affect public finances and governance, rather than dispersing efforts across minor infractions. -  January 22, 2026

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