KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Malaysian government on Monday set up a special task force to investigate the alleged scandal surrounding the state development fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), prosecute offenders and seize related assets.

The country's Prime Minister Office said in a statement that the special team will be responsible for coordination of investigations, financial tracking and assets acquisition related to the misappropriation of the 1MDB funds in Malaysia and overseas.

"Malaysian government hopes the special task that underpinned by various agencies will restore the reputation of the nation that has been damaged, and return the money and assets of Malaysians from the 1MDB kleptocracy scandal," said the statement.