FIVE senior officers from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) have been suspended from all operational duties after being detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in August over allegations of leaking sensitive military intelligence to smuggling syndicates.
Deputy Defence Minister, Adly Zahari, confirmed that the officers are now stationed at their respective administrative headquarters while joint investigations are underway between the MAF and relevant enforcement authorities.
"We are firm in our investigation to ensure that justice is served for all parties. If they are found guilty, legal action will be taken because our priority is integrity. However, if they are not, they will be returned to operational service," Adly said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.
He was responding to a query from Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh), who had asked what measures the Ministry of Defence was taking to restore public confidence following media reports alleging that classified tactical information had been sold by the officers to external entities.
Adly stressed that the Ministry was fully cooperating with the MACC and other authorities to ensure a thorough investigation, while also conducting its own internal review into the alleged security breach.
"In terms of restoring public confidence, the Ministry, through the Armed Forces, is placing strong emphasis on security awareness and compliance with standard procedures," he said. "This includes strengthening the integrity units at every formation and service, and expanding educational programmes on security, ethics, and integrity for all MAF personnel."
Previously, Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar confirmed that several of the detained personnel, arrested during a special MACC operation in the Klang Valley, were members of the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation (MDIO).
The officers are suspected of leaking operational details to smuggling syndicates operating along strategic maritime corridors, including the Strait of Malacca and waters off Johor.
Investigations are ongoing. - October 15, 2025
