THE fight against corruption, especially in the public sector, should not be taken lightly, Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg said.

He said the government sector is often perceived as one of the sectors susceptible to corruption in the economy of any country, particularly the developing ones.

“Corruption in the public sector is a disease that would destroy the economy of a country if not checked,” he said in his speech at the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Integrity Day 2021 in Kuching today.

“It causes leakage to public funds, drives away foreign investment, reduces the economic return on investments, and not to mention, its adverse impact on public safety and health.”

The text of his speech was read out by state Assistant Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Len Talif Salleh.

Abang Johari said realising the impact of corruption on the economy and government delivery system, the state government has introduced several measures to ensure that its administration is efficient, clean and transparent.

“The training of officers under the certified integrity officers programme and their placement in relevant departments and agencies is an example of our initiative towards ensuring a clean administration,” he said.

“There are other measures being implemented by the state integrity and ombudsman unit to enhance the check-and-balance mechanisms at all levels of government.” – Bernama, November 1, 2021.