Kuala lumpur: Five senior Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) officers arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in August for allegedly leaking military operational information to smugglers have been removed from all operational duties. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the officers are currently assigned to their respective administrative headquarters pending investigations by both the ATM and relevant authorities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Adly Zahari emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair investigation process. "We are firm in ensuring the investigation is conducted fairly. If they are found guilty, legal action will be taken because our priority is integrity. However, if proven innocent, they will be reinstated to operational duties," he stated during question time in the Dewan Rakyat. This statement was made in response to a query from Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) regarding the Defence Ministry's efforts to restore public confidence following reports of the sale of the country's tactical security information by ATM officers to external parties.

Adly further noted the ministry's full cooperation with the authorities, highlighting the establishment of an internal investigation board to examine the alleged information leaks. "To rebuild public trust, the ministry, through the MAF, continues to emphasise security awareness and procedural compliance, strengthen integrity units across all formations and services, and enhance education programmes on security, ethics and integrity among MAF personnel," he added.

In August, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar revealed that several ATM personnel arrested around the Klang Valley during the MACC's special operation 'Op Sohor' were suspected of leaking information to smuggling syndicates operating in the Straits of Malacca and Johor waters.