THE Government’s determined campaign against cartels and smuggling represents an extraordinary effort to safeguard the nation and recover RM15.5 billion over the past two years, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, described cartel and smuggling issues as longstanding problems that persisted for decades due to a lack of political will and capability.
“(This resolve carries) significant risks for SPRM, LHDN and PDRM. All are high-risk because these cartels are not small — they are as large as containers — but we always place our trust in Allah SWT.
“The measures we have taken are extraordinary. Imagine decades of neglect and tens of billions of ringgit lost… the measure of this resolve is in the effort to save our nation,” he said during the inauguration of the International Higher Education Islamic Studies Convention 2025 at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) today.
He expressed gratitude to enforcement agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM), Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), for their role in implementing the government’s strategy.
Anwar also criticised those who remained silent as authorities successfully dismantled cartels and smuggling networks.
“If you listen to parliamentary debates, there is no voice… a few government MPs support anti-cartel efforts, but on the other side, none. I thank SPRM and the police for carrying out their duty to save our country.
“Smuggling has been happening for decades, with containers moving goods in and out of ports,” he said.
In addition, the Prime Minister reiterate that students at Islamic education faculties to embrace new technologies, including artificial intelligence, as part of efforts to strengthen the dissemination of Islamic knowledge.
“Ideally, students should also specialise in a particular field. Currently, we have multiple disciplines, including computer technology and AI,” he added.
The convention, organised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) in collaboration with UKM and other higher education institutions, aims to reinforce the pursuit of Islamic scholarship based on knowledge, practice and ethics, while equipping students to face challenges in the digital era. - November 13, 2025
