KOTA BARU — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has emphasized that it takes prompt and thorough action in handling corruption reports, conducting investigations based on credible information received, according to Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman, MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention).

Speaking at the Kelantan MACC director handover ceremony held at the state MACC headquarters on Monday, Azmi underlined that each report with a valid basis undergoes careful scrutiny before any investigative measures are initiated. He stressed that the commission’s response is neither slow nor arbitrary but follows a process tailored to the specifics of each case.

“When there is a report and a basis, we proceed with the investigation. We are not slow to act; we act in a timely and appropriate manner,” Azmi said. He referenced ongoing inquiries involving Lembaga Tabung Haji and cases in Kedah, expressing optimism that these investigations would reach resolution without undue delay.

Azmi appealed to the public to share any credible information related to corruption directly with MACC rather than posting unverified allegations on social media platforms. He highlighted available mechanisms designed to facilitate reporting, including whistleblower protection and the Witness Protection Programme, aimed at encouraging community cooperation in combating corruption.

The deputy chief commissioner also outlined the critical role of media and public engagement in the fight against corruption. He suggested that media involvement should extend beyond coverage of arrests to include educational efforts targeting younger generations to raise awareness of the dangers posed by corruption, abuse of power, and embezzlement.

“If we only want to make arrests, it feels like we will be making arrests forever. There will always be arrest cases, but if we want to educate the new generation, this is the shared platform we need to utilise with our media partners,” he said, emphasizing prevention and education as key long-term strategies.

Azmi further highlighted the necessity of fostering integrity among future generations through ongoing educational and preventive measures.

During the ceremony, Azmi also expressed gratitude to outgoing Kelantan MACC director Azmin Yusoff for his service and leadership. He described retirement not as an end to the fight against corruption but as a transition and wished Azmin and his family a happy retirement. Najwa Mohd Sabry was officially appointed as the new director of Kelantan MACC, effective immediately.