KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has uncovered an attempt to illegally move approximately RM2.4 million, believed to be linked to an ongoing investigation into the Malaysian Army’s procurement tender.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki revealed that the funds were being transferred from one residence to another by an individual involved in the case, Berita Harian reported.
“Yesterday, our officers received a tip-off, and this morning I was informed that we had discovered approximately RM2.4 million in cash that was being illicitly moved by an individual involved in this case,” he said. “We suspect that this money is part of the subject under investigation.”
Azam shared these details with the press during a visit to Media Prima Berhad (MPB) today.
Meanwhile, the MACC has placed 17 company directors under remand, suspected of being involved in a cartel network tied to the Malaysian Army’s procurement tenders.
A statement released by the MACC on social media platform TikTok confirmed that the suspects – nine men and eight women, aged between 20 and 60 – were detained between 8.30 pm and 11.30 pm on January 6. They had appeared at the MACC’s Putrajaya office to provide statements.
“Initial investigations found that all suspects were believed to have paid bribes to senior officers of the Malaysian Army (TDM) in return for obtaining supply and maintenance projects with TDM,” the statement explained.
MACC Investigation Division Senior Director Datuk Zainul Darus confirmed the arrests and stated that the case is being investigated under Section 16(b) of the MACC Act 2009.
On December 29, 2025, the MACC seized six bank accounts believed to belong to a senior Army officer and his family members, as part of the ongoing investigation into corruption linked to military procurement projects.
Tan Sri Azam Baki mentioned that an investigation paper had been opened under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 in relation to the case.
Earlier, on December 23, MACC officers visited the Defence Ministry, focusing on projects implemented through open tender procurement methods and those managed by the Army Responsibility Centre (PTJ).
The MACC also launched an investigation into a senior military officer, his family, and approximately 40 companies suspected of involvement in paying bribes tied to military contracts. Several of these companies had secured multiple high-value contracts, raising alarm about the integrity of the military’s procurement processes.
The investigation led to the suspension of Army Chief Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, who had been slated to become the next head of the Malaysian Armed Forces, pending the outcome of the probe.
In August 2025, Sultan Ibrahim publicly criticised the Defence Ministry for harbouring “agents or former generals who have become salesmen.” He claimed these individuals had inflated the costs of defence procurement and urged the government to scrutinise defence deals carefully.
The Sultan also expressed concern about the Ministry’s plan to purchase second-hand Black Hawk helicopters, noting that the aircraft were over 30 years old and questioning the rationale behind such a purchase.
General Azhan officially took on his role as PTD on January 1, 2026, after being appointed by Sultan Ibrahim on December 1, 2025. His appointment follows the decision made by the 631st Armed Forces Council meeting in November 2025.
Sultan Ibrahim expressed his hopes that under General Azhan’s leadership, the Malaysian Army would remain a respected and professional institution, free from corruption, and dedicated to defending the nation’s sovereignty and security. – January 7, 2026