KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained eight individuals to assist in its ongoing investigation into the freezing of multiple bank accounts belonging to Padini Holdings Bhd and its local subsidiaries.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said statements have been recorded from 10 individuals so far, while another 15 are being traced to support the inquiry.
“The case is still under investigation,” he told reporters at a press conference here today.
Despite requests from related parties to unfreeze the accounts, Azam said the asset freeze will remain in effect.
“Investigating officers are of the view that the company’s assets should continue to be frozen,” he added.
On April 25, Padini Holdings Bhd announced it had begun an internal review following the freezing of its accounts, which was reportedly linked to investigations involving certain external counterparties who are not employees, officers, or part of the company’s management. The company also confirmed it had engaged external legal counsel and taken necessary steps, including applying for relief to unfreeze the accounts.
Previously, media reports indicated that Padini Holdings Bhd and five of its local subsidiaries were among companies with 21 bank accounts frozen as part of the MACC investigation into certain external business partners. Padini Corporation Sdn Bhd accounted for seven frozen accounts, while Yee Fong Hung (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Padini Dot Com Sdn Bhd each had four. Padini Holdings Bhd had three frozen accounts, Vincci Ladies’ Specialties Centre Sdn Bhd had two, and Seed Corporation Sdn Bhd had one.
Azam also used the occasion to remind civil servants to avoid involvement in corruption or abuse of power, highlighting the national cost of misappropriated funds.
“I have already mentioned RM277 billion lost over the past six years, and this money needs to be returned to the people as much as possible,” he said. – May 6, 2026