'Corporate mafia': SC enforcement strictly guided by law, Dewan Rakyat told

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) carries out enforcement actions within its legal boundaries, according to the Dewan Rakyat. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan stated that the SC has a clear mandate to regulate the capital market and protect investors, with enforcement actions determined by the nature and severity of the violations.

The SC uses criminal, civil, or administrative actions, based on the gravity of the offense, to penalize offenders, recover investors' money, and maintain investor confidence. In 2025, the SC secured nine criminal convictions, with court-imposed fines totaling RM13.1 million. Civil enforcement actions resulted in RM20.1 million in unlawful gains recovered and civil penalties, while regulatory settlements brought in another RM9.08 million.

Additionally, RM1.98 million was returned to 239 investors, and RM8.6 million allocated for restitution involving 933 investors. The SC pursued civil action against individuals involved in securities fraud, with one case resulting in RM100.6 million paid by defendants, excluding civil penalties of RM350,000 to RM1 million. Another case saw Ang Beng Cheang ordered to pay RM2.04 million.

These examples demonstrate the SC's effectiveness in safeguarding investors' rights and taking appropriate action based on existing laws. Despite questions about the SC's jurisdiction, Hamzah clarified that every regulator has its own mandate; when investigations involve multiple mandates, agencies cooperate to determine jurisdiction and act per the law.

Coordination between regulators is crucial to protect investors and preserve Malaysia's capital market integrity.