Frequently Asked
Plain answers to complicated questions.
The information below is general guidance — not legal advice. Once you instruct us, every answer is tailored to your facts, your evidence and the agency on the other side of the file.
- My bank accounts have been frozen under AMLATFPUAA. What happens now? +
- A freezing order under Section 44 typically lasts 90 days and is renewable. Counsel should be instructed immediately to file representations to the investigating officer and, where appropriate, an application under Section 44(2) to set the order aside or for partial release for living and legal expenses.
- The police have seized my property under Section 32 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Can I recover it? +
- Yes — Section 32 forfeiture is not automatic. The Public Prosecutor must satisfy the Court of the nexus between the property and the offence. Third-party owners and innocent purchasers have well-established rights to claim release, and our firm has acted in such matters.
- I am a company director. The company's accounts are seized — am I personally exposed? +
- Potentially, yes. Under the AMLATFPUAA the prosecution may name directors and controlling minds. Early, discreet legal advice protects you from inadvertent statements during investigation and preserves your defence at the prosecution stage.
- What is the difference between a freezing order and a seizure order? +
- A freezing order (Section 44) restrains dealings with property; ownership remains with you. A seizure order (Section 50/51) places the property in the custody of the investigating agency. Both require strict procedural compliance — defects can be challenged.
- I have been called for a Section 112 statement. Must I attend without a lawyer? +
- You must attend, but you are entitled to consult counsel before and after. We routinely accompany clients to investigation so that statements taken are recorded accurately and you understand what you are and are not obliged to answer.
- How quickly can I speak with you? +
- Please call +60 12-423 1122. Urgent matters — remand, freshly served seizure or freezing orders — are prioritised.
- Do you act outside Penang? +
- Yes. The firm regularly appears in courts across Penang, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, and accepts instructions nationally on serious-offence and AMLA matters.
- Will my matter be confidential? +
- Absolutely. Every brief is subject to legal professional privilege and to the firm's own strict internal discretion protocols.
- How does a lawyer recover a bad debt in Malaysia? +
- Bad debt recovery normally begins with a letter of demand setting out the unpaid invoice and a payment deadline. Where payment is not made, the following stages are negotiation or mediation, then court proceedings — a writ of summons, summary judgment where the debt is not seriously disputed, or a winding-up petition against an insolvent company. After judgment, enforcement can proceed by writ of seizure and sale, garnishee proceedings or a charging order. The firm acts for suppliers, contractors and manufacturers in Penang and Seberang Perai.
- What is a retainer agreement and do I need one? +
- A retainer agreement — also called an engagement letter or letter of engagement — is the written contract between a client and a law firm. It records the scope of work, the lawyer handling the file, the responsibilities of each party, reporting arrangements, how costs and disbursements are dealt with, and how the engagement may be terminated. We issue a written retainer agreement before substantive work begins, and act for recurring commercial work under a standing retainer where a client prefers not to re-engage for each matter.
Confidential Consultation
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The first conversation costs nothing, is fully privileged and comes with no obligation. Most clients tell us they wish they had called sooner.