KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is stepping up its use of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and intelligence-based investigations to identify corruption risks before they develop into larger cases.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the agency could no longer rely solely on reports to initiate action, as corruption had become increasingly sophisticated through technology, complex financial transactions and cross-border networks.
He said MACC was adopting a more proactive approach through Intelligence-Based Investigation (IBI), which enables the agency to identify indicators, patterns, relationships and potential risks by gathering and analysing information from multiple sources.
“We have moved from a more reactive approach to one that is more proactive and information-based.
“Through IBI, MACC no longer merely waits for reports before taking action, but instead seeks to identify indicators, patterns, relationships and risks through the collection and analysis of information from various sources,” he told Scoop during an interview at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya today.
Halim said integrating data analytics, AI and digital systems would enable investigators to process large volumes of information more efficiently, including identifying anomalies, tracing financial flows and uncovering relationships that might otherwise be difficult to detect through conventional methods.
“However, I would like to stress that technology is merely a tool. The real capability lies in the expertise of officers to assess, verify and interpret such information professionally and ensure that every action remains based on the law,” he said.
He said the shift was part of MACC's wider effort to ensure it remained ahead of increasingly sophisticated forms of corruption.
“Our objective is to build MACC’s capabilities so that it is faster, more accurate and always one step ahead in detecting and combating corruption, without neglecting transparency, accountability and public trust,” he said.
Halim said the evolving nature of corruption meant the commission also needed to strengthen its capabilities in areas such as data analytics, AI, digital forensics, digital assets, complex financial investigations and cross-border investigations.
“Corruption has also evolved alongside the development of borderless technology, causing financial transactions to become increasingly complex and layered, with the use of various digital platforms to facilitate cross-border transaction networks.
“Therefore, MACC must also change in terms of its structure, capabilities, expertise and way of working,” he said.
He said specialised expertise would become increasingly important as complex cases could require investigators from different disciplines to work together, including investigation, intelligence, financial forensics, accounting, law, digital technology and data analysis.
“A complex case cannot necessarily be resolved by one officer or one area of expertise alone. It may require expertise in investigation, intelligence, financial forensics, accounting, law, digital technology and data analysis simultaneously,” he said.
Halim said MACC's digital transformation should extend beyond investigations to cover intelligence, prevention, information management and decision-making.
“We want the use of data, analytics and technology to be strengthened not only in investigations, but across intelligence, prevention, information management and decision-making processes.
“In this way, decisions can be made more based on accurate data, information and analysis,” he said.
He stressed that greater reliance on technology would not diminish human oversight, with officers still responsible for verifying information and ensuring investigative actions complied with the law.
Ultimately, Halim said the transformation was intended to move MACC from responding to corruption after an offence had occurred towards identifying vulnerabilities and risks at an earlier stage.
“We want to act before problems become bigger,” he said.
“We cannot use yesterday’s methods to tackle tomorrow’s corruption. MACC must continue to change, adapt and remain one step ahead,” he said. - October 1, 2026
The post MACC turns to AI, intelligence-based investigations to stay ahead of corruption: Abd Halim appeared first on Scoop.
