How Long an AMLA Freeze Really Lasts

Is there a 90-day AMLA freeze?

Yes, but it covers only the first stage. When an enforcement agency such as the police or Bank Negara freezes an account under AMLA section 44, the order ends after 90 days if you have not been charged.

You may be told a different number, or none at all. That is because a frozen account can be under one of several orders, and each runs for a different time.

For a wider guide, read the freeze duration guide.

What happens after the 90 days?

The 90-day freeze can end, or the case can move to a stronger order. Under AMLA section 50, the Public Prosecutor can order the bank not to release the money. ^[f2]

Once that happens, a longer limit applies. Under AMLA section 52A, the order lapses after 18 months if you have not been charged. ^[f1]

There is no court extension of that 18 months. The prosecutor can still apply to the High Court to forfeit the money, but must do so within the same 18 months.

Have the courts looked at this limit?

Yes. In Lim Hui Jin v CIMB Bank Bhd and others [2018], the Court of Appeal dealt with the limit, which was 12 months then and is 18 months since 1 March 2026. ^[f4]

If a freeze runs past the limit without a charge, you have grounds to ask for the funds to be released.

How long does a police freeze last?

Not every frozen account is under AMLA. Criminal Procedure Code section 116D lets a police officer of Sergeant rank or above freeze an account without a court order. ^[f3]

This freeze lapses after 18 months if no prosecution is started over the money. You can also apply to the Sessions Court to change or cancel it sooner.

What about a bank’s own hold?

Your bank can also hold an account while it checks it, without any AMLA or police order. That hold follows the bank’s own process.

A short period you were told about may come from this kind of review. It is not a legal limit. The guide on how account freezes work explains the differences.

Can you get some money released?

You do not have to just wait. Under AMLA section 44A, if an enforcement agency made a section 44 freeze, you can apply in writing to that agency so money is released for reasonable living or business costs. ^[f5]

You apply in writing to the agency that froze the account, and a more senior officer decides. No court is involved. The freeze stays, but rent, food or key bills may be covered.

If you are not sure which freeze you have, a lawyer can find out, track its end date and prepare the right application. See what a lawyer can do.

What should you ask your bank?

Ask in writing who froze the account and under which law, or ask a lawyer to find out. Is it an AMLA order, a police order under section 116D, or the bank’s own review?

Also ask when it started. With the date and the law, you can work out when the freeze should end.

Sources

1. Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA), sections 50, 52A, and 44A (lawnet.com.my)
2. Criminal Procedure Code, section 116D (parlimen.gov.my)
3. Lim Hui Jin v CIMB Bank Bhd and others [2018], Court of Appeal (lawnet.com.my)