A TOTAL of 290 individuals were given protection by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) under the Whistle-blower Protection Act 2010 for providing information related to corrupt activities and abuse of power since 2016.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the safety of the whistle-blowers is guaranteed under the law.

“The MACC needs information from the public so that we can gather more information and carry out our responsibilities more effectively,” he said.

While discharging its duties, he said, the MACC often faced problems obtaining information because many people are still afraid to report on corrupt activities happening around them.

“Among the factors that make it difficult for some individuals to share information with their agencies is due to fear of being fired or that by doing so, it will affect their business.

“We realise that to get individuals to come to us to lodge reports is very difficult.”

MACC applies provisions in the Whistle-blower Protection Act 2010 to provide protection to individuals who provide information against all threats, including the risk of being fired from their job.

“Many cases that are being handled by the commission are based on information provided by whistle-blowers and they are protected by law, including from legal action by their employers.”

Azam said the MACC’s aim is to build a Malaysian society with zero tolerance towards corruption and for the commission to be the best corruption enforcement agency in the world. – Bernama, October 4, 2020.