MACC Calls For Stronger Collaboration With Banks To Combat Corruption

Samuel Chua

14th October 2025 - 2 min read

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has highlighted the need for stronger collaboration with financial institutions to curb corruption and complex money laundering activities in the sector.

MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said partnerships with banks and related agencies play an important role in improving understanding, capacity, and governance standards within Malaysia’s financial industry.

He noted that many financial institutions still face challenges in fully grasping issues related to integrity and corruption. As such, the MACC welcomes initiatives by banks, such as SME Bank, that actively promote anti-corruption awareness and good governance practices.

According to Azam, the public often views the MACC as an agency focused only on investigation and prosecution. However, he emphasised that prevention, education, and strategic cooperation with key partners are equally central to the commission’s mission.

Courtesy Visit Reinforces Long-Term Partnership

Earlier, Tan Sri Azam Baki received a courtesy call from an SME Bank delegation at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya. The meeting reaffirmed the ongoing cooperation between SME Bank and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA), particularly through the Integrity Credential Programme (ICP).

Integrity Credential Programme Launches In 2025

The ICP is the first initiative of its kind in Malaysia’s banking sector and aims to strengthen the capacity of Compliance Risk Liaison Officers. The ICP was developed jointly with MACA and began in December 2024. The programme was officially launched between 9 and 13 June 2025.

Its training modules cover key areas such as anti-corruption law, Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009, anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), and ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System certification.

The MACC’s call for stronger collaboration reflects Malaysia’s wider effort to build a transparent, accountable, and corruption-free financial system.

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