EAIC: Not many integrity cases reported but enough to erode public trust

PETALING JAYA: The number of integrity cases reported among Malaysia’s 1.5 million civil service may be small but even isolated cases can seriously erode public trust and disrupt service delivery, says the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC).

Its chairman Tan Sri Ismail Bakar (pic) revealed that between 2022 and last month, the EAIC had opened a total of 184 investigation papers, involving various enforcement agencies under its purview.

“These cases covered alleged misconduct including abuse of power, excessive use of force, procedural non-compliance, corruption-related breaches and neglect of duty,” he told The Star.

Of this number, the EAIC has recommended disciplinary action for 55 cases and four cases were referred to other competent authorities such as MACC or Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for further action.

A total of 22 cases led to systemic recommendations aimed at improving procedures, training and internal controls, he said.

The prominent cases for this year alone included the medical visa abuse case of the Immigration Department whereby the agency had recommended criminal charges against several officers for approving visas without proper documentation and referring it to the AGC.

The Fisheries Department’s vessel licensing irregularities, National Anti-Drugs Agency’s negligence, which saw procedural lapses, and the release of e-waste containers by the Environment Department are other key cases this year.

“While integrity issues among civil servants are occasionally reported in the media, the overall situation remains under control.

“Malaysia has about 1.5 million civil servants and the number of reported cases represents a small fraction of this workforce,” he said.

However, he said, even isolated breaches can significantly affect public trust and service delivery.

As the government-appointed Lead of the Enforcement Focus Group under the Special Task Force on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), EAIC plays a significant role in coordinating efforts to uphold integrity and combat corruption across enforcement agencies.

Ismail said EAIC’s rebranding not only reinforces the agency’s role in investigating complaints but also in driving systemic reforms, outreach and preventive education to cultivate a stronger culture of integrity within the public sector.

“In addition, EAIC promotes continuous training and capacity building among civil servants and encourages the use of safe and accessible whistleblowing channels to ensure breaches of integrity are reported and addressed without fear of retaliation,” he said.

Ismail said integrity issues remain an ongoing challenge that require serious attention from all levels of leadership, particularly department heads within the public sector.

“I have repeatedly emphasised that accountability at the leadership level is fundamental in addressing these issues. Department heads must lead by example, upholding accountability and transparency in all aspects of their management,” he said.

He said additional critical measures include strengthening internal accountability systems, conducting regular ethics and integrity training, and providing safe, accessible reporting channels to protect whistleblowers and encourage reporting without fear of retaliation.

“Furthermore, EAIC has welcomed the government’s strong emphasis on integrity in the development of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

“While 13MP is expected to focus on radical reforms and a streamlined agenda, EAIC views this as a positive framework supporting efforts to enhance oversight and accountability within the public sector,” he said.

Ismail said the EAIC is also calling for the timely establishment of the Ombudsman Malaysia as an important complement to these integrity initiatives, contributing to a more robust and trusted public service.

The Prime Minister’s Department legal affairs division is expected to table the Bill to establish the Malaysian Ombudsman’s office in Parliament this year.

There are 21 enforcement agencies under this Federal Statutory Body. They are the National Anti-Drugs Agency, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Environment Department, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Occupational Safety & Health Department, National Registration Department, Road Transport Department, Industrial Relations Department, Fisheries Department, Wildlife and National Parks Department, Volunteers Department (Rela), Labour Department, Health Ministry’s Enforcement Division, the Tourism, Arts & Culture Tourism Licensing Division, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s Enforcement Division, Local Government Development’s Enforcement Division, Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (Sabah), Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (Sarawak), Registrar of Business, and Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia.