MACC aims to reclaim half of 1MDB losses

The Malaysian Anti‑Corruption Commission (MACC) has set its sights on retrieving roughly RM5 billion from the remaining RM12 billion that vanished in the 1MDB scandal. Deputy chief Azam Baki said the agency is intensifying asset‑tracing work across borders, collaborating with foreign authorities and forensic accountants to untangle complex ownership webs. While the commission cannot guarantee the money will be back before year‑end, it remains confident that the concerted effort will yield tangible returns. Azam added that each recovered asset, whether cash, property or shares, will be channelled back into the national treasury to help mend the fiscal gap left by the misappropriations.

The 1MDB debacle, first uncovered in 2015, involved the alleged siphoning of billions of ringgit through a network of offshore companies and dubious loans. Over the years, successive governments have pursued legal action, securing some asset freezes and court judgments, yet a large portion of the funds remains unrecovered, prompting MACC’s renewed push.

Recovering half of the missing 1MDB funds would not only plug a sizable hole in Malaysia’s public finances but also send a clear signal that corruption cases can be pursued to the end. It could restore some public confidence, improve the country’s credit rating and deter future mis‑use of state‑linked entities.