AMLA

What is AMLA?

AMLA is short for the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001, a Malaysian law aimed at money that comes from unlawful activity. Its full name is the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act. For the wider idea, see our anti-money-laundering entry.

You are most likely to meet AMLA through the specific sections used to freeze and trace accounts. Those sections are what turn the law into a real effect on your bank balance.

Which sections are you most likely to meet?

Under s50(1), the Public Prosecutor can order a bank not to deal with money suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity ^[f1]. This is how a frozen account in some scam cases begins.

The freeze is not open-ended. An enforcement agency’s s44 order ends after 90 days if you are not charged, and a seizure order under s52A lapses 18 months after it is made if no one is charged or prosecuted ^[f2]. Knowing this limit helps you see where you stand while the investigation runs.

Can you get money out during a freeze?

AMLA does give a route to money you need to live on. Under s44A, you can apply in writing to the enforcement agency that froze the account, asking it to vary the freeze for reasonable living and other expenses ^[f3]. A more senior officer in that agency decides, not a court.

You will need to show the money is legitimate and set out the expenses to be covered. A lawyer can prepare the application and the supporting evidence. Acting early gives you more options than waiting for the freeze to lapse.

Sources

1. AMLA 2001, Sections 50(1), 52A, 44A (https://www.lawnet.com.my/amla-2001)