The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission calls for formal complaints over allegations that traders were forced to pay protection money during a recent enforcement operation.
SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has urged anyone with claims of being forced to pay ‘protection money’ during enforcement operations at the Selayang Wholesale Market to lodge an official report.
Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said allegations of traders paying money to authorities were not new, but accusations made only through media or social media would not solve the issue.
He said the MACC has repeatedly publicised that whistleblowers are protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act.
Azam made the call after the “SPRM-UiTM Inspirasi 2025: Hari Integriti dan Kepimpinan” event at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Alam campus.
He added that making broad public accusations was unfair to the enforcement agencies implicated without solid evidence.
The MACC must also be fair to all parties, including individuals or agencies accused of receiving bribes, he said.
To ensure fairness, the commission would not open an investigation file without receiving accurate information from a complainant.
Claims recently circulated on social media alleging traders were forced to pay protection money during a recent operation.
On Dec 7, an integrated operation at the market saw 843 undocumented migrants detained for offences under the Immigration Act.