On 13 January 2009, Bank Negara Malaysia raided Gemilang Mirza Sdn Bhd under Section 25(1) Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 (BAFIA) and Section 4(1) of Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001 (AMLATFA). Section 25(1) of BAFIA 1989 prohibits any person from receiving, taking, or accepting deposits without having a valid license, whereas Section 4(1) of AMLATFA 2001 prohibits any person from engaging in, or attempting to engage in, or abetting the commission of money laundering activities.

The raid on Gemilang Mirza Sdn Bhd was conducted at the premise of its company in Papar, Sabah following complaints received from members of the public. Relevant assets and documents of the company were seized for purpose of investigation.

Any person or company who commits an offence under Section 25(1) of BAFIA 1989 shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM10 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or to both. Any person or company who commits an offence under Section 4(1) of AMLATFA 2001 shall on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM5 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both.

Members of the public are advised to be cautious of investment schemes promoted on the internet, through phone calls or through seminars conducted by individuals or companies that are not licensed or authorized by Bank Negara Malaysia to accept deposits or to conduct foreign currency dealings, to avoid losing their hard earned money. A list of all licensed institutions authorized to accept deposits is available on Bank Negara Malaysia's website at www.bnm.gov.my.

For further enquiries or advice, members of the public can contact or visit Bank Negara Malaysia at:

BNMTELELINK (Customer Service Call Centre)
Tel: 1-300-88-5465
Fax: 03-2174 1515
Email: bnmtelelink@bnm.gov.my

BNMLINK (Customer Service Walk-In Centre)
Block D, Bank Negara Malaysia,
Jalan Dato' Onn, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
(Business hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm)