KUALA LUMPUR, October 18 - The allocation for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been increased to RM360 million next year compared to the RM338 million received this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that the government gave the MACC complete freedom to investigate and take stern action to bring corrupt individuals to justice.

“Statistics show an increase of over 20 per cent for arrests and investigation papers for 2023 compared to the previous year,” he said during the tabling of the MADANI Budget 2025 at the Dewan Rakyat here today, adding that the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) has been drafted to eliminate all forms of corruption.

“Other initiatives to follow include the Freedom of Information Bill and the Government Procurement Bill aimed at strengthening governance and civil service efficiency,” he said.

He also announced RM20 million to tighten control at entry points in the country.

“The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) has been set up to boost the management of border entry and 63 countries have used the automatic gate system at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

“The QR code method is used to check bus passengers and motorcyclists at the south entry point and shortens the time taken for checks by up to 40 per cent,” Anwar added. -BERNAMA