MACC strengthens anti-corruption efforts with AI, digital systems

KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is strengthening its anti-graft drive by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital systems to accelerate investigations, close gaps for leakages and enhance governance and service delivery.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said corruption crimes today no longer occurred only in traditional ways, but had rapidly expanded through digital transactions, including cryptocurrencies, offshore accounts and virtual financial systems.

"This is where artificial intelligence, or AI, emerges as a new strategic weapon in the battle against corruption, not to replace humans but to empower agencies such as the MACC to be more agile, proactive and efficient," he said.

He said AI enabled investigators to filter thousands of financial files within minutes, detect unusual transactions, build intelligent networks between individuals, companies and financial data and analyse potential conflicts of interest.

"By using platforms such as Sentinel: Criminal Intelligence Analytics, the investigation period can now be shortened from years to just months," he said.

He said AI also functioned as an early warning system capable of detecting unusual lavish lifestyles, analysing high-risk public projects and providing early signals of possible misappropriation.

Ahmad Khusairi, who is also MACC’s chief information officer said apart from strengthening investigations, various digital systems had been introduced to improve the effectiveness of service management and internal communications.

Among these are centralised management of complaints and corruption reports, digital case item management and performance monitoring of officers, now implemented through a dedicated platform.

"To coordinate information and communications with other agencies, particularly in managing corruption risks or developing organisational anti-corruption plans, the MACC also uses systems that facilitate interaction," he said.

He said the MACC had also introduced monitoring and reporting systems for integrity units in public agencies and a special database to manage prevention and education activities.

In terms of public communications, he said the MACC had introduced a virtual officer avatar known as SARA (Saya Antirasuah) on TikTok to deliver anti-corruption messages to society.

He said the use of AI in MACC’s media management had gained recognition, winning several awards, including the Gold Award at the 5th Asean PR Excellence Awards 2025.

According to Ahmad Khusairi, the combination of AI and blockchain technology paved the way to absolute transparency in public procurement systems, project payments and subsidy distribution, thereby reducing the risk of manipulation of public funds.

"AI is not replacing humans, but strengthening those fighting against corruption while maintaining public and global confidence in the country’s commitment to build transparent, efficient and corruption-free governance," he said.

Commenting further, he said that in its drive to harness digital technology and AI, the MACC acknowledged the existence of data security and confidentiality risks that must be addressed carefully.

"To overcome these challenges, the MACC is strengthening controls by implementing strict data governance policies, regular human review mechanisms and layered cybersecurity protection technologies," he said. - BERNAMA