Are Enforcement Agencies Becoming the Monsters They Were Meant to Fight?

Corruption Runs Deep

The recent arrests by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the existence of corruption syndicates at multiple enforcement agencies, including the customs department, are disturbing to say the least. This follows on the heels of “protection stickers” for lorries and investigations at a vehicle inspection centre. It appears that corruption is both pervasive and endemic at certain enforcement agencies, notwithstanding that only a small minority is involved.

A Crisis of Integrity

The biggest challenge is the “issue of integrity in enforcement” as observed by a minister. It is beguiling to note that at Puspakom, 37 staff have been sacked over integrity issues just between October 2023 and January 2025. Thirty others have been suspended pending investigations. Has anyone been charged in court?

Customs Department in the Spotlight

At the customs department, it is reported that MACC’s Ops Airways raid uncovered “dirty” officers who were raking in close to RM200,000 per month. Six officers were subsequently transferred out. Apparently, the vape smuggling syndicate’s modus operandi resembled the one used in the “flying containers” syndicate which saw 34 customs officers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) arrested previously.

A Culture of Corruption?

Have enforcement agencies become so mired in corruption that it is now a way of life? Presumably new entrants will be obliged to play ball or be ostracised. Integrity has been lost. If one thinks this is a new phenomenon, and easily eradicated, think again.

A History of Corruption

On March 22, 2023, FMT columnist Yamin Vong wrote about a protection racket involving road transport department (JPJ) enforcement officers. Why is there a repeat? Many will recall the unfortunate demise of a senior customs officer, more than a decade ago, at an MACC branch. The customs department was being investigated at the time.

Who Bears Responsibility?

The chief secretary to the government and heads of unions who are responsible for safeguarding the “welfare” of their members should put their heads together instead of accepting it as status quo and regurgitating standard template answers when confronted. The current landscape is seared and scarred. In this context, what was the outcome of past investigations; were the corrupt prosecuted? Internal investigations and transferring within the cohort do not convey to the public that serious and concerted efforts are being taken.

A Call to Action

The minister and the civil service heads should walk the talk – the public expects more. A draconian measure, would be perhaps to set up a “wall of shame” involving those convicted of graft within the civil service to stress the importance attached to combating graft. If nothing is done, it will continue to be the same, year after year.

Training and Ethics

Ethics and integrity training should be part of the training module and continuing professional development on this dimension must be part of the criteria for promotions. Like cohorts of administrative and diplomatic officers who have to spend a year at the diplomacy centre, perhaps officers currently serving at, or who will be posted to enforcement agencies should be sent to bootcamps on a periodic basis to “refresh” their minds and psyche on how corruption damages the country!

Conclusion

It is indeed a sorry state of affairs for Malaysia with no end in sight. There is considerable posturing both on the local and international stage on integrity and accountability but at the ground level it appears not all are on board. The public is being shortchanged and the rakyat is paying the price.

FAQs

Q: What is the current state of corruption in enforcement agencies in Malaysia?
A: Corruption is both pervasive and endemic at certain enforcement agencies, with multiple syndicates and corrupt officers involved.

Q: What is the impact of corruption on the public?
A: The public is being shortchanged and the rakyat is paying the price.

Q: What measures can be taken to combat corruption in enforcement agencies?
A: Ethics and integrity training should be part of the training module and continuing professional development on this dimension must be part of the criteria for promotions. Internal investigations and transferring within the cohort do not convey to the public that serious and concerted efforts are being taken.