Govt paid nearly RM1bil in court-awarded damages between 2020 and 2025

2026-03-03 - 23:24

Finance minister Anwar Ibrahim said the ministries involved must take appropriate action in accordance with existing rules, including issuing letters of reprimand. KUALA LUMPUR: The government paid nearly RM1 billion in court-awarded damages between 2020 and 2025, the Dewan Rakyat was told. Finance minister Anwar Ibrahim said RM933,360,633 was paid out due to negligence, misconduct and other wrongdoing by officials and agencies. He also outlined measures taken by Putrajaya, including instructing ministries involved in court cases to conduct detailed investigations into cases that resulted in the government paying damages. “The relevant ministry must recommend disciplinary action against those found to have been negligent or irresponsible in carrying out their duties, leading to these losses,” he said in a written reply. Anwar, who is also prime minister, was responding to William Leong (PH-Selayang), who had requested details of the payouts and the measures the government would take to reduce future financial liabilities. He added that the ministries involved must take appropriate action in accordance with existing rules, including issuing letters of reprimand.