KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) nabbed 275 youths, including those working in government agencies, for corruption between 2020 and yesterday (June 3).
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Seri Norazlan Mohd Razali said the corruption offenses committed were giving out bribes involving 70 youths followed by 123 individuals who accepted bribes and other corruption offences.
"Of the total, 21 individuals were between the ages of 18 and 23.
"In the same period, 254 youths aged between 24 and 30 were also arrested for corruption offences.
"From both age groups, a total of 231 male and 44 females were involved in the offence," he said during his speech at the Varsity Anti-Corruption Convention (Komawar) closing ceremony and 'Speak Up' final competition 2022 prize-giving ceremony at the Tunku Chancellor Hall, Universiti Malaya here, today.
Norazlan said based on the age groups, some of the youths involved in corruption were students and some were working in government agencies.
When asked if any of the youths working in the government sector involved in corruption were listed under the essential sector as the period of arrest was during the Covid-19 pandemic period, Norazlan denied it and said it involved individuals from other sectors.
From 2020 until Friday (June 3), 151 individuals have been charged in court involving 11 youths aged 18 to 23.
In the 24 to 30 age group, 140 individuals have been charged in the same period.
Norazlan said 83 youths have completed their court trials and were found guilty.
"Nine youths found guilty were between 18 and 23-years-old and 76 individuals were between 24 and 30-years-old," he said.
Norazlan said the data presented should be used as a reminder that some of the youths detained are public university graduates.
"The temptation to bribe, whether giving bribes or even more so accepting bribes exist especially when students graduate and enter the working world," he said.
Norazlan hoped that all the exposure and knowledge on corruption can be used as a reminder to graduates from being trapped by the temptations of corruption.
"This does not take into account the sacrifices of parents, some of whom may have gone into debt or mortgage their property to ensure that their children have the opportunity to continue their studies at the tertiary level.
"Believe me, the hearts of parents will be shattered if a graduate who has just been working for a year or two is suddenly arrested and charged with corruption," he said.
Norazlan said the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Course (KIAR) will be offered as a compulsory subject in all institutions of higher learning starting next year.
"It is part of the government's initiative to spread awareness and tackle corruption at the tertiary level.
"The course is currently offered as an elective course at 12 public institutions and seven private institutions," he said.
Also present at the event were Universiti Malaya assistant vice-chancellor (Global Network) Professor Dr Yong Zulina Zuhairi, MACC Community Education division director Datuk Razim Mohd Nor, Kuala Lumpur MACC director Razaliah Abd Rahman and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Integrity Department senior assistant commissioner Abdulamin Abdillah.
