The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) have agreed to enhance their intelligence cooperation to more effectively address cross-border corruption, particularly concerning smuggling activities. This commitment was formalized during their 8th bilateral cooperation meeting held in Putrajaya.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, MACC’s deputy chief commissioner (operations) who led the Malaysian delegation, described the NACC as a key strategic partner in tackling corruption related to the smuggling of petrol, diesel, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, and migrants. He cited concerns over enforcement leakages along the Malaysia-Thailand border, an area recognized for significant economic activity within the ASEAN region that provides opportunities for corrupt practices.
From 2021 to 2026, the MACC received 163 reports of alleged corruption connected to smuggling across several Malaysian states including Perlis, Kedah, Perak, and Kelantan, which share borders with Thailand’s Songkhla, Yala, Narathiwat, and Satun provinces. These reports led to 33 investigations, 38 arrests, 24 charges filed in court, and 16 convictions. Ahmad Khusairi noted that the collaboration between the two agencies has been effective in tracking down witnesses and suspects who had fled across the border to either Malaysia or Thailand.
From the Thai side, Tawichart Nillakan, deputy secretary-general of NACC Region 9, emphasized the value of direct communication channels established between the agencies. These channels, based on mutual understanding, facilitate faster information exchange and operational responses than the more formal Mutual Legal Assistance procedures, which can be time-consuming.
In addition to intelligence sharing and operational cooperation, both MACC and NACC have intensified anti-corruption awareness initiatives at border points to educate personnel and the public on the risks and consequences of corruption.
The renewed partnership highlights an ongoing effort by Malaysia and Thailand to address corruption linked to smuggling activities in their shared border regions through proactive intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and preventive education.