Malaysian central bank monitors Kiram followers' money trail

Bank Negara Malaysia, Malaysia's Central Bank, is now monitoring the supposed money trail to supporters of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III in Mindanao from Sabah, Malaysia's state-run Bernama news agency reported late Friday.

 

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin said all banks in Sabah should report any large withdrawal, and the concerned accounts can be frozen.

 

"Investigation can be done under the Money Laundering Act. Accounts of the withdrawers can be frozen if there is proof," he said.

 

Awang Adek said that while the ministry could not prevent the withdrawal of small amounts of money, withdrawals of at least RM30,000 (P395,910) should prompt a report from banks to Bank Negara Malaysia for further action.

 

"Bank Negara Malaysia will make a report to authorities including the police for the purpose of investigation," he said.

 

He said monitoring may involve requiring the one withdrawing money to give the delivery address and reason for sending the money.

 

Sabah police claim less than 10 kiram followers remain

 

Meanwhile, Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said he believes there are fewer than 10 Kiram followers still in Sabah.

 

"I can't say that there are no more terrorists. I believe they still exist but their number is small, probably less than 10," he said.

 

Malaysian security forces have so far killed 68 suspected Kiram followers, and detained 121 people under the Security Offences Act (Special Measures) 2012.

 

They have been conducting offensive operations against Kiram followers since March 5, following deadly clashes on March 1 and 2.

 

Security forces are now focusing mopping-up operations on Tanjung Bilis and Lok Buani, claiming Kampung Tanduo, Kampung Tanjung Batu and Kampung Tanjung Labian are now clear.  — ELR, GMA News