RM54,000 rewards to Sabah government staff who refused bribes
Published on: Thu, Jul 03, 2025
By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Karunanithy clarified that the reward is only applicable to civil servants who are directly offered bribes. Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) disbursed over RM54,000 in rewards last year to civil servants in Sabah who refused and reported bribe offers. Sabah MACC Director Datuk S. Karunanithy said the reward programme has been in place since 2011 to encourage integrity among government officers. 'We have a reward policy. When a civil servant rejects a bribe and reports it to MACC, we give a reward dollar-for-dollar,' he told reporters at the Seminar on Integrity Governance: The Core of Public Service at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Wednesday. 'For example, if the offer is RM10,000 and the officer reports it, we will pay the same amount back to them,' he said, noting that in 2023, MACC paid RM52,850 to Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and RM2,000 to the State Immigration Department. As for State agencies, he said only one case was reported, which was from the Wildlife Department. Karunanithy clarified that the reward is only applicable to civil servants who are directly offered bribes. 'This reward is for civil servants who receive the offer. It is not for the public acting as whistleblowers. 'The person must come in and report it to MACC personally, not just make a general report,' he said. He cited one case where money was placed in an envelope without the officer's knowledge. Upon discovering the contents, the officer immediately returned it to MACC and was rewarded. 'This is what we hope for. Even if they receive it, they return it voluntarily,' he said. He urged State departments to be more proactive, stating that it is not just about reward but about principle and responsibility as civil servants. Karunanithy said MACC continues to focus on prevention, education and monitoring, including oversight of State-linked companies under Sabah Maju Jaya. Ongoing investigations remain confidential for now. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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