Advanced approach boosts MACC’s ability to tackle complex corruption cases
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has come a long way in its investigation methods, incorporating advanced technology that quickly gathers information to build suspect profiles.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic) said the commission’s investigation approach has become more streamlined and efficient over the past five years, using an open-source system that swiftly gathers information to build suspect profiles.
He said the system, which has been widely used abroad, allows the MACC to analyse the whereabouts of suspects and additional information required before further investigations are carried out.Azam explained that the technology enables investigations and intelligence gathering to be conducted more quickly, efficiently and thoroughly, indirectly leading to an increase in convictions.
“Our officers no longer need to conduct field surveillance of suspects, which is time-consuming. We have reduced the workforce in investigations while increasing the speed of inquiry, which has helped us significantly in prosecutions.
“Five years ago, we relied more heavily on field intelligence officers, but now we use our current system to analyse and track subjects or suspects,” he said during a special interview with Bernama at his office recently, marking the MACC’s 57th anniversary.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia has extended his congratulations to the entire staff of the MACC in celebration of the commission’s 57th anniversary.
His Majesty conveyed his well wishes in a message posted on his official Facebook page.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also extended his congratulations to the MACC, expressing hope that the commission would continue its unwavering efforts and commitment to eradicating corruption.
Azam said the commission is also training MACC officers in cybersecurity and cryptocurrency, which have become the latest platforms used by criminals to conceal their illicit gains from corruption.
“Our officers are being equipped with the skills to detect cryptocurrency used to conceal illicit funds, enabling successful prosecution and recovery of assets for the government,” he said.
He said the MACC had formed the MACC Tactical Team (ACTS) to ensure the safety of its personnel during operations in high-risk and dangerous areas, such as the recent raid in Sibu, Sarawak.
He said the team comprises 20 officers equipped with the latest weapons and trained by VAT 69 Commandos in Perak.
He stressed that fighting corruption in the public sector remains the MACC’s top priority in preventing government fund leakages.Azam noted that between 2020 and 2024, the MACC initiated 2,123 investigations and detained 2,046 civil servants, of which 1,036 were charged in court and 464 had been convicted.
He said the offences included 1,124 cases of accepting bribes, 445 cases of making false claims, 19 cases of offering bribes, 320 cases of abuse of power, 57 cases of money laundering, 153 cases under the Penal Code, and five cases under other laws.
He said the MACC is prioritising cases related to enforcement, procurement and grand corruption, noting that grand corruption is the leading cause of government revenue leakage, estimated at RM277bil over the past five years.
This year, the MACC has conducted four major operations. The first, Op Samba, targeted smuggling activities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), where over RM2bil was leaked in the past three years, resulting in charges against 23 Customs officers.
“Op Transit focused on smuggling operations in Port Klang, which had led to a leakage of over RM3.5bil in the past decade. Op Pump addressed immigration officers colluding with syndicates to facilitate the entry of foreigners through KLIA and KLIA2.
“Then there was Op Liter in Sibu, Sarawak, which uncovered the leakage of RM400mil since 2012 due to theft of subsidised diesel allocated to fishermen,” he said.
