Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009, which came into force on June 1, is the perfect weapon to curtail corruption at a time when companies struggling to keep afloat may consider bribery to earn a quick profit.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Deputy Chief Commissioner (Prevention) Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil (above) said while there have been positive developments in the nation’s economic recovery post the movement control order (MCO), the agency is concerned that businesses affected by the Covid-19 crisis might lean towards corrupt practices to earn profits.

Speaking at a press conference in Putrajaya recently to explain what Section 17A is all about, Shamshun Baharin said the new provision is timely in view of the reopening of various economic sectors during the recovery MCO (RMCO) period...