THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has with immediate effect suspended the use of orange detention attire for Person Under Investigation (PUI) brought to court for remand applications, following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for the practice to be reconsidered.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the decision followed recent developments and recommendations concerning procedures for handling investigation suspects, particularly when they are brought before the court.
“PUIs are allowed to wear ordinary clothing when brought to court, while detention attire will only apply for the duration that PUIs are held in the lock-up.
“As for the use of handcuffs, this will depend on certain circumstances and exemptions will apply to PUIs who are infirm, persons with disabilities, children and senior citizens,” he said in a statement in today.
Halim said MACC would nevertheless continue to exercise caution and ensure appropriate security controls throughout the handling of suspects.
“MACC remains committed to ensuring that every action taken in handling a PUI is carried out professionally, with integrity, prudence and in accordance with the provisions of the law and established procedures,” he said.
The immediate policy change came after Anwar said individuals who fully cooperate with an investigation should not necessarily be made to wear orange detention attire when brought to court before they are formally charged.
The Prime Minister added the practice should be reconsidered to prevent negative public perceptions from being created against individuals while investigations were still ongoing and they had not been formally charged.
“If you ask to investigate, investigate first. If there is a case to be charged, I leave it to the enforcement agencies to decide what colour clothing is appropriate.
“But for now, I respect the view that those who are cooperating in an investigation do not necessarily need to wear orange clothing because it will create a different perception,” Anwar said.
He added: “There is evidence, proceed. If there is no evidence, release them.”
The move places greater emphasis on due process at the investigation stage, where suspects have not yet been formally charged with an offence. - September 4, 2026
