Yeoh flanked by MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and JWP director-general Datuk Seri Noridah Abdul Rahim after the signing ceremony in Putrajaya. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
LONGSTANDING issues such as flood retention ponds being sold for development, shrinking green spaces, and contentious planning approvals have prompted a review of agencies under the Federal Territories Department (JWP).
This was made possible following the signing of a Cooperation Note between JWP and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The move is aimed at strengthening oversight, detecting misconduct and tightening governance practices across the department.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the collaboration would open the door to continuous monitoring and institutional reforms.
“Strengthening governance and transparency across all agencies under the department is the way forward,” she told reporters after the signing ceremony at Menara Seri Wilayah, Putrajaya.
“This collaboration is not just about information sharing, but also about sharing expertise to combat corruption.”
Yeoh said one of the clearest examples was the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office (PTGWP), which would undergo a reassessment of its standard operating procedures.
“Since this is where hot issues such as land matters, flood retention ponds and green spaces arise, it is time for us to reassess the risk rating and enable MACC officers to be considered for placement in the integrity unit of PTGWP.”
Yeoh also said that the ministry was reviewing the business model and governance of Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan (YWP) in line with recommendations by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
In 2020, the PAC flagged conflicts of interest involving the foundation, citing its role in Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) land deals that lacked clear standard operating procedures.
Apart from reassessing risk levels at key agencies, JWP and its agencies are rolling out a series of governance reforms.
These include more frequent job rotations for field officers in sensitive positions, fully online procurement and tender processes and phased introduction of body-worn cameras for enforcement officers from the fourth quarter of 2026.
“Early cooperation with MACC reflects our commitment to restoring public confidence and assuring them that there is nothing to hide,” said Yeoh.
The cooperation covers all agencies under JWP, including DBKL, Putrajaya Corporation, Labuan Corporation, Kampung Baru Development Corporation and Federal Territories Sports Council.
