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THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has summoned 16 witnesses to assist in its investigation into a bribery case linked to the accelerated processing of foreign worker applications under the Recalibration of Labour Programme (RTK), involving officers from enforcement agencies.
Sources indicated that MACC is currently identifying syndicate agents connected to the case, with the investigation expected to conclude by mid-December.
“The direction of the investigation focuses on offences under Sections 16 and 17 of the MACC Act 2009, namely soliciting or receiving bribes and offering or giving gratification,” said the source.
The probe also extends under Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009, concerning assets acquired from offences under the Act, as well as Section 165 of the Penal Code, which relates to public servants receiving valuable items without consideration from individuals with official dealings with them.
On 12 November, MACC’s Intelligence Division detained ten enforcement agency officers and one retired officer as part of Operation Bleach. The arrests followed suspicions of bribery in expediting applications for foreign workers legally residing in the country under the RTK programme.
Operation Bleach is a follow-up initiative targeting syndicates involved in “Counter Setting” at the nation’s entry points. Datuk Saiful Ezral Arifin, Senior Director of MACC’s Intelligence Division, confirmed the information.
Meanwhile, the need to cultivate a culture of integrity at every level of educational institutions has been emphasised as a crucial defence against corruption.
Mohd Shukor Mahmud, Director of the MACC Pahang branch, said integrity is not a slogan or seasonal campaign but a value that must be instilled, practiced, and defended.
“Educational institutions bear the significant responsibility of nurturing principled generations free from unethical practices,” he said.
Mohd Shukor was speaking as a panel member at the forum “Integrity & Quality: Catalysts for New Thinking Towards National Well-Being” at UCYP University’s Main Campus Auditorium yesterday. The event, organised by Kolej Yayasan Pahang (KYP) Education Sdn Bhd, coincided with KYP’s Quality and Integrity Day celebrations.
The forum gathered 250 participants, including deans, lecturers, and students from KYP-affiliated institutions, and featured three panelists: UCYP University Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Muhammad Fauzi Mohd Zain, and Malaysian Productivity Corporation officer Mohd Azhar Zainuddin.
The event was officially opened by KYP General Manager Norsazlina Che Ghazali, who highlighted that enhancing work quality and reinforcing integrity are central to organisational excellence.
“Quality and integrity are the foundations of an organisation’s strength. With the commitment of all KYP members, we can foster a more accountable working environment and continue to earn public trust,” she said.
The programme also featured the recitation and signing of the Anti-Corruption Pledge (IBR), interactive quizzes, and the presentation of Integrity Ambassador certificates, underscoring KYP’s dedication to clean and transparent governance. - November 21, 2025