Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki.
KOTA KINABALU: A total of 3,173 reports have been filed against civil servants for bribery between January and October, says the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that of the 3,173 reports, 547 were arrested for bribery.
Among those detained, nine are from top management, 181 hold management or professional roles, and 357 are operational or support staff.
He added that 544 investigation files have been opened concerning civil servants.
Cases involving receiving bribes top the list with 275, followed by false claims (129), abuse of power (74), Anti-Money Laundering Act offences (17), giving bribes (six), a Penal Code violation (one), and 42 cases under other sections.
A total of 185 civil servants have been charged, with 84 convictions recorded so far.
Overall, 5,732 reports have been recorded by MACC in the first 10 months of this year nationwide, with 3,720 of them related to corruption.
Of the figure, MACC has opened 2,554 investigation papers, intelligence files, and preliminary investigations, leading to 1,252 arrests, 410 charges, and 208 convictions.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki (seated) inspecting the newly launched MACC office in Keningau.
“Ideally, corruption among public servants should remain below 40%. The current rate is above this threshold, which is concerning as these individuals are entrusted with managing government and public funds, making it vital to prevent misuse,” said Azam.
Speaking at the official opening of the MACC office in Sabah’s Keningau district on Saturday (Nov 9), Azam stressed the importance of integrity, reaffirming the public service oath to uphold commitments to the government, society, and personal faith.
He added that the recent government decision to raise civil servant salaries should help boost morale and reinforce their dedication to public service.
“MACC officers are also held to these standards, and we strive to resolve as many confidential cases as possible,” he added.
Meanwhile, Azam said the opening of a new MACC branch in Keningau, a region covering 29% of Sabah’s land area, was a timely move to address growing corruption issues.
Previously, only an information centre served the community, limiting accessibility.
The new branch, he said, will enable more direct reporting and handling of cases.
“With Keningau’s growth, this branch is timely. Previously, there was no dedicated office here, and information was limited. We anticipate a rise in reports with this new setup.
“Our team will handle local cases or seek assistance from Kota Kinabalu when needed,” Azam said.
He urged the people of Keningau and surrounding rural areas to come forward with their concerns, noting increased public awareness of corruption-related issues.
"We hope the community will now visit us directly instead of sending emails, WhatsApp messages, or venting on social media.
“Face-to-face meetings with my officers are more effective, and identities of those reporting corruption will be protected unless they choose to come forward publicly,” he assured.
