THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), as the lead agency of the Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF), recorded 3,523 arrests between 2023 and 2025, reflecting the government’s intensified efforts to combat corruption and financial crime.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the figure illustrates more than enforcement statistics; it demonstrates the effectiveness of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach in penetrating complex criminal networks.
“Within this period, 3,523 arrests were made, involving major operations such as Ops Samba 2.0, Ops Taufan, Ops Yellow, Ops Counter Setting and Ops Bunga. More importantly, the success in dismantling large-scale organised syndicates through operations like Ops White, Ops Kingfruit, Ops X, Ops Sikaro, Ops Metal, Ops Karen and Ops Grip shows that MATF’s approach is capable of penetrating complex and structured criminal networks across multiple sectors,” New Straits Times quoted him saying at a special engagement session today.
Azam highlighted the significant asset recovery achieved, noting that MACC seized RM6.87 billion in 2025 alone, alongside asset freezes, forfeitures, compounds, and settlements.
“This sends a clear message that any proceeds obtained through wrongdoing will be traced and returned to the country,” he said.
He added that MACC also spearheaded high-impact operations including Operasi 82S, Ops Tropicana, Ops Eagle, and Ops Liter, demonstrating that integrated enforcement can dismantle entire syndicate ecosystems rather than merely curbing individual crimes.
Focusing on environmental and economic threats, Azam noted that Ops Metal revealed Malaysia being used as a dumping ground for illegal e-waste and plastic waste.
“This is not merely an environmental issue. It is an economic and sovereignty issue, as it exposes the country to pollution risks while causing revenue losses and reputational damage internationally,” he said.
He also cited diesel smuggling under Ops Karen and tyre smuggling under Ops Grip, resulting in tax leakages worth hundreds of millions of ringgit.
“What is more concerning is how these syndicates were able to operate over long periods, indicating systemic weaknesses, process manipulation and possible involvement of enablers,” he added.
On the growing threat of “corporate mafia,” Azam warned that these organised groups operate through legitimate corporate structures to evade enforcement.
“They are supported by networks of professionals, including accountants, lawyers, consultants and insiders within certain agencies.
“What we are facing today is no longer conventional crime, but an organised ecosystem driven by what I term as ‘corporate mafia’.
“They not only shield illegal activities but also manipulate corporate structures, launder illicit funds and exploit systems to ensure crimes continue undetected,” he said. - April 2, 2026
