In a historic first for Malaysia, former army chief charged in court over RM2.1 million money laundering case

 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: A former Malaysian army chief has been charged in court for the first time in the country’s history, marking a significant development in investigations involving senior Armed Forces leadership.

Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, 58, was charged on 22 January 2026 with four counts of money laundering involving more than RM2.1 million, equivalent to approximately US$519,519.

He entered his plea after the charges were read before Judge Azura Alwi at the Kuala Lumpur Special Corruption Court. Hafizuddeain confirmed he understood the charges and claimed trial to all four counts.

According to the charge sheets, Hafizuddeain is accused of receiving proceeds from unlawful activities through deposits into one Bank Muamalat account and two Maybank accounts held in his name.

The alleged sums involved were RM969,000, RM474,850, RM488,550 and RM190,000, bringing the total amount to more than RM2.1 million.

The offences were allegedly committed between 2 February 2024 and 7 November 2025 at Bank Muamalat’s Main Branch on Jalan Melaka, Menara Maybank, and Maybank’s Bukit Damansara branch.

Hafizuddeain was charged under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).

If convicted, he faces a maximum jail term of 15 years and a fine of RM5 million, or not less than five times the value of the alleged proceeds of unlawful activity, whichever is higher.

Wife also charged in related case

His wife, Salwani Anuar @ Kamaruddin, was also charged on 22 January in the same court in connection with alleged money laundering involving RM77,000.

Salwani is accused of receiving illicit proceeds through a company she is said to control. She pleaded not guilty to four charges under Section 4(1)(b) of the AMLATFPUAA.

The charges against Salwani similarly carry a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of RM5 million, or at least five times the value of the alleged illicit proceeds, if convicted.

The charges followed a statement issued a day earlier by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), confirming that consent to prosecute had been obtained from the Attorney General.

According to the MACC, three individuals were approved to be charged, including two senior Malaysian Armed Forces officers and one civilian, following extensive investigations.

“The individuals involved include the former Army chief, Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his wife, Salwani Anuar,” the commission said in its statement issued on 21 January.

Former Armed Forces chief to face separate charges

The MACC also announced that another senior figure, former Armed Forces chief Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaafar, will be charged in court later in the same week.

According to the commission, Mohd Nizam will face two counts under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 relating to abuse of power.

He is also expected to be charged with one count under Section 409 and one count under Section 165 of the Penal Code, following investigations linked to the Armed Forces Welfare Fund.

The MACC said investigations into two other senior Armed Forces officers were in their final stages and that investigation papers would be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor in the near future.

In its statement, the commission reiterated its commitment to pursuing corruption cases without compromise, regardless of rank or position.

“The MACC reiterates its commitment in firmly, transparently, and uncompromisingly addressing all cases of corruption and abuse of power, in line with the principles of the rule of law,” it said.