Perai: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is intensifying efforts to instil integrity at the grassroots level through the Wira Anti Rasuah (WAR) programme, specifically targeting schools.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy senior director Datuk S. Karunanithy highlighted that the initiative, active since 2014, seeks to educate young people about the dangers of corruption and encourage them to become proactive agents of change. Karunanithy emphasized that the programme offers early exposure to corruption and preventive measures, aiming to nurture students into individuals with integrity and transforming them into 'heroes' in the fight against corruption.

The WAR programme is implemented annually in selected schools across the nation, with five schools in Penang being part of the initiative this year. The programme was officially launched at Sekolah Kebangsaan St Mark in Perai, where Karunanithy shared insights into the importance of collaboration among schools, teachers, administrators, and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to ensure comprehensive cultivation of integrity.

Karunanithy stressed the need for continuous, rather than seasonal, efforts in corruption prevention, involving all parties including the school community. He proposed the introduction of 'Kedai Jujur' in Penang to enhance integrity education among students. This initiative, already implemented in approximately 20 schools in Sabah, has shown positive results in fostering honesty and trust. 'Kedai Jujur' is described as an unmanned kiosk where students are expected to take items and make payments independently, providing them with practical integrity training in daily life.

As of March, MACC recorded 17 corruption-related reports in Penang, leading to the opening of 13 investigation papers, nine arrests, and 14 charges filed, according to Karunanithy.