Kuala lumpur:<Text>

The government believes the actual amount of public funds lost to leakages, fraud, and public theft is far higher than the RM15.5 billion recovered over the past two years, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. However, Anwar stressed that more public funds could still be saved through the continuation and strengthening of ongoing efforts.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar expressed skepticism about the RM15.5 billion figure during his speech at the 44th World Customs Day celebration. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance in recovering and safeguarding public funds. Anwar was accompanied by several key government figures, including Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) director-general Datuk Wira Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin.

Elaborating further, Anwar highlighted the recovery of such a significant sum as a reflection of the capability and commitment of various law enforcement agencies. These agencies include the JKDM, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, and the Malaysia Competition Commission, all of whom have worked collectively to detect, prevent, and recover funds lost through leakages, fraud, and misappropriation.

Anwar underscored the importance of these collaborative efforts in protecting the interests of the people and the nation, stressing that the fight against financial malfeasance requires continuous and concerted action from all involved parties.