Former Malaysian Army Chief Pleads Not Guilty in Money Laundering Case, Granted Bail of RM250,000

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22: Former army chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan was charged at the Sessions Court on Thursday with four counts of receiving proceeds from illegal activities involving a total of RM2.1 million.

The 58-year-old pleaded not guilty after the charges were read before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi.

According to the charge sheets, Muhammad Hafizuddeain allegedly received four separate sums RM969,000, RM474,850, RM488,550, and RM190,000, which were deposited into three bank accounts registered under his name.

The alleged offenses took place between Feb 2, 2024, and Nov 7, 2025,, at several locations, including the Bank Muamalat main branch at Jalan Melaka, Menara Maybank, and Maybank Bukit Damansara.

He was charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. If convicted, he faces a maximum jail term of 15 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the alleged proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin requested bail to be set at RM300,000 with two sureties. The prosecution also sought additional conditions, including monthly reporting to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the surrender of the accused’s passport.

Defense counsel Aizul Rohan Anuar appealed for a reduced bail of RM100,000, citing his client’s status as a retiree receiving a monthly pension of RM15,000 and the freezing of his bank accounts. He also informed the court that Muhammad Hafizuddeain’s wife, Salwani Anuar, was being charged on the same day, and that the former army chief would be responsible for posting her bail as well.

After considering submissions from both sides, Judge Azura set bail at RM250,000 with two sureties. The case has been fixed for mention on March 30.