More than half of those arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in the last three years were aged 40 years old and below, revealed MACC deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil.

"What I'm most concerned about is that those arrested are mainly youths or individuals under 40.

"From what we can see, the Generation Y always want the easy way," he told reporters at an anti-corruption forum hosted by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) in Kuala Lumpur today.

According to him, out of 2,329 people arrested by MACC for graft in the least three years, 1,267 were aged under 40.

This is why, Shamshun said, it is important to instill awareness about corruption in the public from a young age, starting in schools.

Then youths would be better prepared to face corruption and empower integrity when they enter the workforce, he said.

As part of the MACC's initiative in raising awareness among the youth, he said the commission has started the 'Kempen Wira Anti-Rasuah' (Anti-Corruption Hero campaign).

It has also established corruption prevention secretariats(SPR) in higher learning institutions nationwide, he added.

Shamshun also urged the public to be more forthcoming with sharing information with the MACC.

"Many people refuse to share information with us or even lodge a report.

"When we don't get the information, we won't be able to take action," he said.

He reminded that there is the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 which will protect those who provide the MACC with information.

The Act will protect their identity, he said, as well as shield them from disciplinary and legal action.

"Maybe not many people know about this, that they will be protected," he said.

However, the Act does not protect those who disclose information protected under the Official Secrets Act.