KUALA LUMPUR (March 2): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confiscated cash amounting to RM170 million in various international currencies (baht, riyal, pound, won, euro, Swiss franc and yuan), as well as 16kg of gold bars worth almost RM7 million from the homes and “safehouses” of four former aides to former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

In a statement on Sunday, the anti-graft agency confirmed that Ismail Sabri had visited the MACC office to give his testimony on Feb 19. "MACC does not rule out the possibility that he will be called back to assist in further investigation."

In related developments, MACC said it has identified at least 10 witnesses who will be called in the near future to assist in the investigation into corruption and money laundering cases involving Ismail Sabri.

"We wish to stress that the investigation is focused on the expenditure and procurement of funds for promotional purposes, as well as publicity while he was leading the country (from August 2021 to November 2022). This investigation is conducted under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Act 613)."

MACC also said it has arrested four senior officers who served under the former prime minister after the agency received new information and intelligence reports.

"As a follow-up to the investigation against the four individuals concerned, raids were carried out at their residences and three other premises believed to be 'safehouses'. As a result of the raids, MACC uncovered cash amounting to around RM170 million in various international currencies, along with 16kg of gold bars estimated to be worth nearly RM7 million."

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri was instructed to declare his assets under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009 on Dec 11, 2024. He made the official asset declaration to the anti-graft agency on Feb 10, the MACC said.

On Feb 22, Ismail Sabri collapsed at home and was hospitalised for blood pressure-related problems, according to news reports. Last Thursday, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki reportedly said that his agency would summon eight individuals as part of its investigation following the arrest of four of Ismail’s former senior officers. They were remanded on Feb 21 over their suspected involvement in corruption, and have since been released.