THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has announced that its investigative focus for 2026 will shift towards agents and intermediaries who facilitate corrupt transactions, rather than solely pursuing corrupt enforcement officers.
The move aligns with a directive from Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who recently emphasised that officials found failing to perform their duties with integrity must be swiftly transferred, and that middlemen enabling corruption should also be closely monitored.
MACC Deputy Commissioner of Operations Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said the commission remains committed to robust enforcement and preventative measures to strengthen a culture of integrity across public service.
“This year, MACC will focus on agents rather than pursuing corrupt enforcement officers,” he said.
“This includes intermediaries and lobbyists identified as providing bribes to enforcement officials. They will be apprehended, and strict action will be taken against them.”
According to reports, agents have increasingly acted as intermediaries to arrange or disguise transactions using mule accounts, facilitating the transfer of bribe payments while attempting to evade detection by authorities.
Sultan Ibrahim’s address last week underscored the importance of integrity across government departments, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Immigration Department, Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), and MACC itself.
He stressed that officials who cannot fulfil their responsibilities honestly should make way for those more qualified and upright to undertake such duties.
“Be mindful, including those in PDRM, Immigration, Customs, and even MACC. No rank is exempt. Likewise, agents who act as intermediaries, or supply equipment, clothing, or medical supplies, are also on the radar,” the King said.
The royal directive signals a significant strategic shift in Malaysia’s anti-corruption approach, emphasising accountability at both official and intermediary levels to curb systemic bribery. - February 21, 2026
