RM10.4m fraud by civil servants uncovered at federal department

New Straits Times

20-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Fraudulent transactions involving RM10.4 million by civil servants were uncovered at a federal department, said Accountant General Nor Yati Ahmad.
She said investigations from 2019 to 2024 into public fund misappropriation had led to the recovery or detection of about RM18 million in losses.
"From 2019 to 2024, based on the transactions we investigated involving losses of public funds, we have resolved and detected around RM18 million.
"There was one case involving civil servants, amounting to RM10.4 million. It occurred at a federal department. Enforcement authorities have taken follow-up action," she said at a press conference after launching the Accounting Fraud Working Group here today.
Present were Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner (MACC) Tan Sri Azam Baki and Auditor General Datuk Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi.
Nor Yati said most accounting fraud cases involved manipulation of procedures and financial processes, including tampering with accounting and financial management systems.
She said the department, aside from taking firm action based on third-party reports and other sources, is also taking a proactive approach by leveraging current digital technologies. This includes analysing financial data to detect red flags and identify unusual or suspicious transactions.
"We are doing this now and will continue to do so. It is now part of our standard work processes at the National Accounting Department nationwide."
Earlier in her speech at the event, Nor Yati said public sector agencies must adopt a collaborative approach to navigate an increasingly challenging and complex technological landscape.
She said this could be achieved through cooperation and the sharing of best practices among public and private sector agencies to strengthen fraud prevention policies, regulations and methodologies.
"The Madani government, which emphasises the principles of governance and integrity, stands to benefit significantly from the implementation of the Accounting Fraud Working Group.
"The Accountant General's Department is fully committed to supporting and helping this group in achieving its objectives. We believe that through this strategic synergy, efforts to combat fraud can be carried out more effectively and comprehensively."
The working group would be spearheaded by MACC and include the Auditor General's Department, Accountant General's Department, Inland Revenue Board, Malaysian Companies Commission, Universiti Teknologi Mara and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.