The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized RM3.54 billion and forfeited RM27.87 billion in assets over the past five years, according to Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Delivering his remarks at the second MACC Accredited Law Enforcement Programme Convocation in Bangi, Azam revealed that the agency received 34,819 reports of alleged corruption and abuse of power between 2020 and April 2025. From these, 5,145 investigation papers were opened, leading to the arrest of 5,703 individuals. A total of 2,479 were prosecuted and 1,274 convicted.
He emphasised the Commission’s uncompromising stance, stressing that strict disciplinary action will be taken against any offenders, including MACC personnel.
“The MACC will not tolerate misconduct within its ranks. Harsh measures will be taken against any member found guilty,” Azam stated.
He highlighted that the post-pandemic landscape and mounting global economic challenges have intensified social pressures and created more avenues for corruption. In response, he called for continued collaboration between the public and private sectors, academic institutions, civil society organisations and policymakers—not only in enforcement, but also in education, research, policy development, and technology.
Azam also underscored the importance of early values-based education in cultivating a culture of integrity, noting that anti-corruption awareness must begin at home and be reinforced within schools.
In a notable development, the MACC has successfully reduced the average duration required to investigate high-profile cases from 18 months to just six. Azam attributed this achievement to streamlined investigative procedures, enhanced training for officers and the adoption of advanced technologies.
Where surveillance efforts previously required multiple officers, technology now enables the Commission to identify and track suspects or witnesses more rapidly and with fewer resources.
-FMT
