MACC warns of corruption risks in talk with PJ traders
IN A bid to strengthen public trust, Malaysian Anti-corruption Commission (MACC) organised a talk for hawkers and food truck traders. The talk was on fighting corruption, unethical behaviour and abuse of power.
Held at SS2 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, it was jointly organised with Petaling Jaya Night Market Traders Association and Chinese Night Market and Food Truck Vendors Association in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
During his talk, MACC Supt Cheong Zhit Hou said that sometimes when faced with law enforcement, hawkers believed they could evade trouble by resorting to bribery.
“However, the risk taken in bribing will cost more than the fine.
“Regardless of the amount, even a RM5 bribe is morally wrong.”
Supt Cheong stressed that bribery included money as well as gifts, services and discounts.
“Attempting to resolve issues through bribes is not advisable, given the substantial risks for a relatively small financial gain,” he added.
Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall (MCAH) vice-president Datuk Goh Gaik Meng, who was present at the forum, said the primary objective was to heighten awareness among traders and hawkers regarding anti-corruption measures.
“We want to help them grasp the detrimental impact of corruption when it comes to business and guide them in fostering transparency,” he said.
The forum also highlighted how law enforcement officers sometimes exploited situations by demanding bribes.
“Participants were educated on appropriate actions to take if this happened, including lodging reports immediately to address potential abuses of power.
“We hope this forum will contribute to the development of the country’s business environment,” added Goh.