RM1.18mil rewards paid to 652 civil servants for reporting bribery

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM1.18 million in rewards was given to 652 civil servants who reported attempts to give or receive bribes between 2012 and 2025, in recognition of their role in helping combat corruption.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said 529 individuals were recommended to receive cash rewards and certificates of appreciation, while another 123 received certificates for their outstanding commitment to curbing corruption.

He said the rewards and recognition had helped strengthen a culture of integrity within the public service.

"The recognition not only reflects appreciation for the integrity demonstrated by civil servants, but also serves as an encouragement and example to others," he said in a statement posted on the MACC's Facebook page last night.

Abd Halim had earlier chaired the 15th Recognition Assessment Panel Meeting for Civil Servants Reporting Bribery Offers or Receipt of Bribes at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.

Also present were MACC deputy chief commissioner (Operations) Datuk Sri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, Attorney-General's Chambers deputy head of Prosecution Division II Datuk Kamal Baharin Omar and MACC Investigation Division senior director Datuk Hafaz Nazar.

Abd Halim said four agencies recorded the highest number of recipients during the period, with police accounting for 437, followed by the Immigration Department (64), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (33) and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (21).

"For the 2026 assessment, 54 new candidates from four enforcement agencies were submitted, involving 30 investigation papers and attempted bribes totalling RM304,621.

"The candidates comprise 38 police officers, 12 from Iskandar Puteri City Council, three from Kuala Lumpur City Hall and one from the Immigration Department.

"All candidates have passed MACC integrity screening and police criminal record checks," he said.

He said among the high-profile cases assessed this year was that of a police officer in Perlis who rejected a RM200,000 bribe linked to the seizure of 1.8 tonnes of syabu, as well as a case in Johor involving the rejection of a RM45,000 bribe.

Abd Halim said civil servants must meet stringent criteria to qualify for the recognition, including lodging an official report and providing full cooperation throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

"We also intend to expand the scope of these rewards to all sectors of the public service, particularly procurement officers.

"The courage of civil servants to report attempted bribery is crucial in helping curb corruption and strengthen a culture of integrity in the public service," he said.

The recognition programme followed a decision by the Cabinet Special Committee on Government Management Integrity on Aug 19, 2010, and guidelines issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government in a circular dated May 11, 2011.