KUALA LUMPUR, April 1, 2026 – A Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigating officer has provided courtroom testimony revealing direct evidence that former Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man received RM1.06 million from illicit activities linked to canceled overseas holiday packages. The revelations came during Azlan Man’s ongoing trial at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court, where he faces 10 serious charges related to false claims and money laundering.
The case centers on payments made from Perlis state government funds for non-existent international trips between 2014 and 2017. MACC anti-money laundering investigation division assistant director Safwan Arbangi, the prosecution’s key witness, outlined how two travel agencies—Sri Kedawang Travel & Tours (W) Sdn Bhd and Aidil Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd—were directed to refund the money directly to Azlan after he canceled the bookings. These refunds, totaling RM852,207.28 via four cheques and RM207,468 in cash, were traced back to Azlan’s personal accounts.
Safwan emphasized the consistency of evidence, stating, “Overall, my investigation found consistent witness statements and documentary evidence supporting the offence of receiving proceeds from unlawful activities under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).” He detailed how Azlan instructed payments through local orders (LOs) into the agencies’ accounts, despite no trips occurring, before demanding personal refunds. Bank records and witness accounts corroborated these transactions at locations including Maybank Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman branch, CIMB Putrajaya, and Sheraton Imperial Hotel.
Charges Against Azlan Man: False Claims and Proceeds of Crime
Azlan Man, now 67, pleaded not guilty to all charges when first arraigned. He faces five counts under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009 for submitting false claims totaling over RM1.18 million for overseas holidays that never materialized. These carry penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and fines of five times the claim value or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Additionally, five charges under Section 4(1)(b) of AMLATFPUAA 2001 accuse him of receiving RM1.06 million in unlawful proceeds between February 19, 2014, and December 2017. Specific evidence includes three cheques worth RM629,395.30 from Sri Kedawang Travel between 2014-2016, and further deposits like RM404,990.90 into his Maybank account via two cheques in 2014-2015. Cash handovers were also documented.
The prosecution has called multiple witnesses, including bank managers like JD David Jesudasan from Maybank Jalan Raja Laut and Hasimah Hassim from Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, who confirmed the cheque deposits and transactions. Another witness testified that Azlan personally provided travel agent details to facilitate the refunds.
Timeline of the MACC Probe and Court Proceedings
The investigation traces back to at least 2023, when Azlan was first charged with the money laundering counts on December 3, 2023, before Judge Azura Alwi. He claimed trial immediately. Earlier charges for false claims were filed in April 2023, with pleas entered on July 18, 2024.
Key testimony unfolded on March 31, 2026, when Safwan Arbangi read his witness statement, affirming, “My investigation found that the refund was set by Datuk Seri Azlan Man himself as he cancelled his holiday. This statement was via documents and bank statements of both parties and witness statements.” The court heard how Perlis government funds were misused for fictitious bookings, then redirected personally to Azlan.
Media outlets like Free Malaysia Today, The Star, and Malaysiakini reported the direct evidence linking Azlan to the illicit refunds, highlighting the probe’s focus on abuse of public office. No trips took place, yet state coffers were depleted before personal enrichment.
Implications for Malaysian Politics and Anti-Corruption Efforts
This high-profile case underscores ongoing MACC scrutiny of former state leaders amid Malaysia’s push against graft. Perlis, a small northern state, has seen repeated political turbulence, with Azlan serving as Menteri Besar from 2008-2018 under Barisan Nasional. The trial tests AMLATFPUAA enforcement, aimed at curbing proceeds of crime in public office.
Legal experts note the rarity of “direct evidence” affirmations in court, potentially strengthening the prosecution. Azlan’s defense has not publicly countered the latest testimony, but the trial continues with more witnesses expected. Conviction could set precedents for similar cases involving phantom projects and refunds.
Public reaction, as seen in social media echoes from New Straits Times posts, focuses on accountability for leaders. The probe’s meticulous tracing of cheques, cash, and LOs exemplifies MACC’s forensic approach post-1MDB scandals.
Broader Context: Travel Fraud in Government Claims
Similar patterns have emerged in other MACC cases, where officials claim travel perks that never occur, converting refunds to personal gain. Here, the RM1.06 million figure breaks down as RM852,207.28 in cheques (e.g., RM629,395 from one agency) plus cash, all from state-funded LOs. Witnesses confirmed Azlan’s direct involvement in cancellations and refund directives.
The Sessions Court, presided over by Judge Azura Alwi in earlier stages, continues hearings. Bail remains at RM20,000 per charge cluster, with Azlan free pending verdict. Prosecution rests on documentary proof, reducing reliance on contested testimonies.
As Malaysia strengthens AML frameworks in 2026, this trial highlights vulnerabilities in state procurement and travel claims. Outcomes may influence audits nationwide. Full judgment awaits further proceedings.