SPRM tubuh jawatankuasa dalaman tapis arahan beku aset

KUALA LUMPUR: The Monetary Enforcement and Reform Secretariat (SPRM) has established an internal investigative unit to strengthen the scrutiny and stricter approval processes for asset seizure orders, according to Deputy Prime Minister (Law and Institution Reform) M Kulasegaran. This internal unit was introduced as part of the ongoing system enhancement to centralize the coding of data for asset seizure orders issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering, Anti-Bribery, and Illicit Practices Act 2001 (AMLA).

Kulasegaran made the announcement during a special House session of the Dewan Rakyat, responding to concerns raised by Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) regarding the potential execution of Section 44 orders without judicial approval. Wee also highlighted the absence of centralized records accessible to the public or comprehensive statistics on seizure orders and their withdrawals since 2022.

In 2025, SPRM issued 1,336 asset seizure orders, of which 481 were withdrawn without any prosecution. From January 1 to September 30 of this year, 1,006 seizure orders were issued, with 781 withdrawn without prosecution. Kulasegaran explained that withdrawals or modifications to seizure orders do not necessarily indicate a lack of legal violations but rather reflect the ongoing investigative developments.

The AMLA falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, and Subsection 46(6) and Section 77 protect enforcement agencies from civil suits or damages resulting from seizure orders, provided the actions were taken in good faith. Meanwhile, the internal investigative unit, which has been investigating SPRM chairman Azam Baki's shareholding portfolio, has completed its report and presented its findings to the Cabinet.

Kulasegaran stated that updates on the investigation's outcome will be released directly by the head of state.