GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) received only five reports related to attempted bribery involving civil servants in Penang last year.
State MACC director said Datuk S Karunanithy said the graft buster agency also received 37 pieces of intelligence information related to graft misconduct from Penang Island City Council (MBPP), including reports from various enforcement units.
"Of the total, five arrests were made last year. All are still in the process of being referred to the AGC for further action," he told reporters after attending a dialogue programme between the state MACC and MBPP at Komtar.
Karunanithy added that it was important for government servants, particularly those involved in enforcement duties, to report any instances of corruption or attempts to offer them cash.
He said this would enable graft busters to investigate and take action against not only those who are receiving bribes, but also those who are offering them.
"If you see any corrupt activities during your duties or are offered cash for kickback, please report it to us," he said.
Karunanithy said failure to report corruption also constitutes an offence under Section 25 of the MACC Act 2009, which carries penalties including a fine or imprisonment upon conviction.
He stressed that government servants have a legal and moral responsibility to report any corrupt practices they encounter, adding that the MACC assures protection and confidentiality for whistleblowers.
“Reporting corruption is not only about enforcement but also about integrity and accountability in public service,” he said, adding that cooperation from civil servants is crucial in strengthening transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, Karunanithy said incentives for government servants to report corruption practices to MACC are in line with the agency's efforts to strengthen enforcement at all levels.
“The government has provided reward guidelines for civil servants who report attempts at bribery. This reward is on a dollar-for-dollar basis and should be fully utilised to curb corrupt practices,” he explained.
Also present during the dialogue was MBPP mayor Datuk A.Rajendran, who was one of the panellists.
The dialogue programme emphasised MBPP’s role as a strategic partner of the MACC, particularly its enforcement and licensing units, in efforts to ensure integrity is upheld in the discharge of duties.
It also aimed to raise awareness among local council officers on corruption prevention, enforcement integrity, and the legal consequences of engaging in or failing to report corrupt activities.
