PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA – In a stunning development shaking Malaysia’s military establishment, former army chief General Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his two wives were arrested late Wednesday by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) amid a sprawling probe into rigged military contract tenders.
The high-profile trio surrendered at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on the night of January 7, 2026, after giving statements. They are set to appear in Putrajaya court on Thursday for remand proceedings, joining a growing list of suspects in what authorities describe as a sophisticated cartel operation manipulating army procurement deals.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests, underscoring the agency’s resolve: “The MACC is committed to conducting investigations with integrity and professionalism.”This latest crackdown follows the January 6 securing of five-day remand orders for 17 company directors, nine men and eight women aged 20 to 60, detained on January 5.
Magistrate Ezrene Zakariah approved the extensions at Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court, extending custody until January 10.Earlier on January 7, another couple linked to the probe was remanded for seven days, amplifying the scandal’s scope.
The investigation, underway since late December 2025, has already seen MACC freeze six bank accounts tied to a senior officer and family members on December 29. On December 23, probes expanded to the Defence Ministry, scrutinizing open-tender projects under the Army Responsibility Centre.
Officials are pursuing charges under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009, which covers bribery involving public servants. As the net tightens, questions swirl over the full extent of graft within Malaysia’s defense procurement system, potentially implicating top brass and business networks.
MACC vows a thorough, impartial inquiry, signaling zero tolerance for corruption in national security matters. Further arrests are anticipated as digital trails and witness testimonies unravel the cartel.