Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), in collaboration with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM), conducted a joint investigation in relation to the suspected involvement of several company secretaries in an international scam syndicate.

BNM’s investigation revealed that Ardzlyn Hawatul Yuhanis Uyob@Ayob (Ardzlyn), a company secretary through her firm, Continuum Corporate House Sdn. Bhd., had failed to submit two Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) to BNM in her capacity as a reporting institution^[1] under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA). This concerns transactions involving foreign nationals associated with MB International Sdn. Bhd. and Ascent GT Sdn. Bhd. Separately, the investigation conducted by CCM also revealed that Ardzlyn had submitted false information to the Registrar of Companies in relation to the appointment of one of the foreign nationals as a director of the said companies. CCM has since revoked her practising certificate.

On 10 December 2025, with the written consent of the Public Prosecutor, Ardzlyn was charged at the Sessions Court with two offences under section 86 AMLA read together with section 14(1)(b) AMLA and paragraph 19 of AMLA Policy Document.^[2] Separately, CCM charged Ardzlyn with two offences under section 593(b) of the Companies Act 2016. On 15 April 2026, Ardzlyn pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a fine totalling RM50,000.

BNM would like to emphasise the importance of strong controls and ensuring full compliance with reporting obligations under the AMLA are critical to prevent misuse for money laundering, terrorism financing, and other serious criminal activities. Reporting institutions are cautioned against the risks of being exploited by criminals, whether through negligence or deliberate complicity on their part. Failure to fulfil these obligations may result in enforcement action, including prosecution.

^[1] Reporting institution refers to any person who carries on any activity listed in the First Schedule of AMLA.

^[2]Anti-Money Laundering, Countering Financing of Terrorism and Targeted Financial Sanctions for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) & Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs).