RM10.4mil financial fraud discovered at federal department

 Accountant-General Nor Yati Ahmad says the case is among several identified between 2019 and 2024, and action has already been taken.

Accountant-General Nor Yati Ahmad said the fraud involved manipulation of financial systems and unauthorised changes to accounting procedures.

KUALA LUMPUR:

 The accountant-general’s department has uncovered a case of financial fraud involving a federal department, resulting in losses amounting to RM10.4 million.

Accountant-General Nor Yati Ahmad said the case, which involved public servants, is among several identified between 2019 and 2024, with total losses estimated at RM18 million.

“Enforcement action has been taken in connection with the case,” she told a press conference after the launch of the accounting fraud task force here today.

Present at the launch were Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki and Auditor-General Wan Suraya Wan Radzi.

Yati said the fraud involved manipulation of financial systems and unauthorised changes to accounting procedures.

She said the department is taking proactive steps by using digital tools to analyse financial data and identify suspicious transactions or early warning signs.

“We’re no longer relying solely on third-party reports. Technology-driven monitoring has become part of our standard operations and will continue to be strengthened,” she said.

Earlier, Yati highlighted the increasing complexity of public sector accounting due to rapid technological and socio-economic developments, which require stronger collaboration across agencies.

She said the establishment of the fraud task force aligned with the government’s focus on integrity and good governance. It is expected to enhance fraud prevention efforts in the public sector.

“The accountant-general’s department is fully committed to supporting the task force through strategic collaboration with relevant agencies,” she said. - FMT