Voluntary Statement Explained
A voluntary statement is one you give freely, of your own will, without threat, inducement, or promise.
Sources checked 2026-09-17
What Is a Voluntary Statement?
A voluntary statement is one you give freely, of your own will, without any threat, inducement or promise from the authorities. The word describes how the statement is given, not what it contains.
In a frozen-account or mule-account matter, whether a statement was truly voluntary can affect how it is treated later.
Why Does Voluntariness Matter?
If a statement is obtained by pressure, a threat or a promise of some advantage, a lawyer may be able to challenge its use. How it was obtained can matter, not only what you said.
That is one reason to approach any questioning with care. The CCID at Bukit Aman investigates mule-account cases. [f2]
How Is It Different From Other Statements?
An ordinary statement is simply recorded during investigation. A cautioned statement (an old term) was taken after a formal caution. A confession is a statement that admits the offence.
Voluntary describes the manner of giving: freely and without pressure. A voluntary statement may or may not contain an admission. So it is not the same as a confession, though the two can overlap.
Why Get Advice, Even If You Are Innocent?
Even with nothing to hide, get advice first. A statement is recorded and becomes part of the case, and stress can lead to mistakes. Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution gives you the right to a lawyer of your choice. [f1]
Under AMLA 2001 section 50(1), the Public Prosecutor may order a financial institution not to deal with an account suspected of links to unlawful activity. [f4]
Possessing or controlling someone else’s account, under Penal Code section 424A, carries a fine of RM5,000 to RM50,000, or 6 months to 5 years in jail, or both. [f3]
A lawyer can go through what you are being asked before you answer. See finding legal help for how to reach one.
Sources
- Federal Constitution, Article 5(3)
- PDRM Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID / JSJK), Bukit Aman
- Penal Code, Section 424A
- AMLA 2001, Section 50(1)
Need a Lawyer for Your Frozen Account Case?
Request Lawyer ContactFor people seeking legal representation. For general information, use our guides and tools.
Independent information resource, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. Where appropriate and with your consent, we can connect you with an independent lawyer. Availability and acceptance of a case are not guaranteed. How referral works
What makes a statement voluntary?
It is one you give of your own free will, without any threat, inducement or promise from the authorities. If a statement was obtained by pressure or a promise of some advantage, a lawyer may be able to challenge its use. So how a statement is taken matters, not just what it says.
Is a voluntary statement the same as a confession?
No. A voluntary statement describes how a statement is given: freely and without pressure. A confession describes what it contains: an admission of the offence. A voluntary statement may or may not include an admission. The rules on when a statement or confession can be used in court are technical, so ask a lawyer.
Should I give a statement just because I have nothing to hide?
Even if you are innocent, get advice first. A statement is recorded and becomes part of the case, and stress can cause confusion or mistakes. Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution gives you the right to a lawyer of your choice. Talking to one helps you give an accurate account calmly.
Related pages
If your situation is a little different, these pages cover the closest topics.
Need a Lawyer for Your Frozen Account Case?
Request Lawyer ContactFor people seeking legal representation. For general information, use our guides and tools.
Independent information resource, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. Where appropriate and with your consent, we can connect you with an independent lawyer. Availability and acceptance of a case are not guaranteed. How referral works