Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has urged individuals who claim to have been coerced into paying 'protection money' during enforcement operations at the Selayang Wholesale Market to file official reports to facilitate a comprehensive investigation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki stated that while allegations of traders paying authorities are not new, addressing these claims through media or social media alone will not resolve the issue. He emphasized the need for those making such allegations to approach the MACC directly.
"This is a new matter appearing in the media, but to me, it is an old issue involving traders who claim to give money to enforcement agencies. I hope those making these allegations will come forward to MACC," said Azam. He assured that individuals are protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act, which the MACC has repeatedly publicized.
Azam addressed these concerns following the "SPRM-UiTM Inspirasi 2025: Hari Integriti dan Kepimpinan" event at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Alam campus, where he delivered a keynote speech on integrity and leadership. The event was also attended by UiTM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr. Shahrin Sahib Sahibuddin.
Azam further commented on the fairness of making public accusations against enforcement agencies without evidence, asserting that such broad claims are unjust. He noted that the MACC strives to be fair to all parties, including those accused of receiving or giving bribes, and emphasized that investigations would only proceed with accurate and truthful information from complainants.
The call for official reports follows social media claims that traders at the Selayang Wholesale Market were compelled to pay protection money during a recent enforcement operation. On December 7, an integrated operation at the market, which included the participation of Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, led to the detention of 843 undocumented migrants for various immigration offenses.