PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will strengthen faster, proactive and high-impact intelligence cooperation to combat cross-border corruption.
The move was agreed on at the 8th bilateral cooperation meeting, reflecting both sides’ continued commitment to curb corruption linked to smuggling activities.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, who led the MACC delegation, said NACC is an important strategic partner, particularly in combating corruption linked to the smuggling of petrol, diesel, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages and migrants, allegedly linked to enforcement leakages at the border.
He said economic activities along the Malaysia-Thailand border is among the highest in Asean, creating opportunities for abuse of power.
“From 2021 to 2026, the Commission received 163 reports of alleged corruption, linked to smuggling activities along the border between the two countries, particularly in Perlis, Kedah, Perak and Kelantan, which border Thailand’s Songkhla, Yala, Narathiwat and Satun provinces.
“A total of 33 investigation papers were opened, resulting in 38 arrests, 24 charges in court and 16 convictions,” he said during the meeting.
Ahmad Khusairi said strategic cooperation between the two agencies proved to be effective in tracking down witnesses and suspects who had fled to Malaysia or Thailand.
Meanwhile, NACC Region 9 deputy secretary-general Tawichart Nillakan said direct channels for information exchange, based on mutual understanding, allowed faster action than the time-consuming formal procedures under Mutual Legal Assistance.
Beyond intelligence operations, the two agencies have also stepped up anti-corruption awareness campaigns at border entry points.
