MACC adopting AI, digital systems to boost anti-graft efforts

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said corruption had expanded beyond traditional methods to include digital transactions such as cryptocurrencies, offshore accounts and virtual financial systems.

In a Bernama report, he said AI tools allowed investigators to sift through thousands of financial records in minutes, detect irregular transactions, map links between individuals and companies, and flag potential conflicts of interest.

Ahmad Khusairi, who is MACC’s chief information officer, said AI could also serve as an early warning system to spot lavish lifestyles, assess high-risk projects and signal possible misappropriation, adding that certain platforms used for criminal intelligence analytics could cut investigation times from years to months.

“AI has emerged as a new strategic weapon in the battle against corruption, not to replace humans but to empower agencies such as MACC to be more agile, proactive and efficient,” he said.

Ahmad Khusairi said MACC had introduced digital platforms for complaint management, case tracking, officer performance monitoring and inter-agency coordination.

MACC has also launched integrity monitoring systems at public agencies, a database for prevention and education activities, and a TikTok virtual officer avatar, SARA (Saya Antirasuah), to spread anti-graft messages.

Ahmad Khusairi said AI and blockchain together could enhance transparency in procurement, payments and subsidy distribution while reducing the risk of fund manipulation.

“AI does not replace humans but strengthens the fight against corruption while safeguarding public trust in transparent and efficient governance,” he said.

Adding that data security remained a concern, Ahmad Khusairi said MACC was reinforcing safeguards through strict governance policies, regular human reviews and multi-layered cybersecurity protections.