The MACC will aggressively pursue agents and intermediaries fuelling corruption in government agencies, with a new focus on procurement cartels and illegal worker recruitment.

GENTING HIGHLANDS: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will shift its operational focus this year to aggressively target agents, intermediaries, and lobbyists who are the chief culprits of corruption within government agencies.

Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said this new approach will cover those involved in government procurement cartels and illegal foreign worker recruitment syndicates.

“This year, we will change our approach to target these agents and intermediaries,” he stated. “I will focus on that one and I will hit hard to stop corruption within enforcement agencies.”

He emphasised that intermediaries are often the main perpetrators, frequently earning more from corrupt deals than the complicit officials themselves. He cited illegal foreign worker syndicates as a prime example, where agents can earn up to RM5,000 per transaction while the corrupt immigration officer receives only RM1,000.

Ahmad Khusairi questioned whether risking a career was worth such a paltry sum for the officer involved. He warned that these intermediaries continue to instigate corruption despite recent strict enforcement and preventive measures.

“We will make sure they face the consequences,” he declared. The MACC’s firm stance includes ensuring such individuals are declared bankrupt and prevented from running any business in the country.

He made these remarks while speaking at the Journalism Workshop: Understanding the MACC’s Role in Combating Corruption.

 The Sun Malaysia