Malaysia is embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and strengthening blockchain to strengthen its fight against corruption. According to Azam Baki, chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the tools enhance the agency’s ability to identify criminals involved in complex financial crimes. Last year, the MACC announced measures to target high-profile corruption cases reviewed by local law enforcement since 2022. The agency aims to improve detection and law enforcement efforts to combat financial misconduct by integrating AI and blockchain into its investigation process.
Bucky reportedly discussed the initiative at an event in Maldives last week. According to a report from the Malaysia Edge, Bucky said: “Blockchain technology ensures immutable transaction records, while AI enhances data analytics, allowing fraud patterns and financial irregularities to be discovered.” Reduce corruption cases.
According to the World Bank, Malaysia has long been on the rise in corruption cases and has performed poorly in global perceived investigations. However, the report also acknowledges the country’s gradual progress in strengthening anti-corruption measures that have begun to produce results.
In January last year, the MACC said that Malaysia’s ranking in the Corruption Idea Index (CPI) rose to 61st of 180 countries in 2023, adding four positions. On the CPI index, this improves its score from 47 points to 50. At the time, the MACC said it had stepped up investigations, arrests and convictions in corruption-related cases.
Speaking in Maldives, Bucky said the MACC has stepped up efforts to digitize the Malaysian economy and reduce its reliance on cash to curb corruption. The agency’s intelligence unit has integrated blockchain and AI into forensic and financial analytics to enhance threat and crime detection.
Malaysia’s interest in blockchain has grown significantly in recent years. As the basis for Web3 technologies such as cryptocurrencies and dollar dollars, blockchain provides decentralized alternatives to traditional Web2 servers that are susceptible to hackers, vulnerabilities, and data operations. By distributing information on the network, blockchain can enhance data security against cyber threats. When used in conjunction with AI, it can help governments automate existing Web2 systems, reduce human errors and improve efficiency.
In January, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced plans to integrate blockchain technology into the country’s fraud detection system. Hamidi reportedly elaborated on Malaysia’s plan in detail when he delivered a speech at the Asia International Security Summit and the 2025 Expo, which developed an ID verification system powered by blockchain to make internal financial transactions safer and transparent.
To safely explore this niche technology to improve its financial system, Malaysia has been in discussions with the UAE, a leader in Web3 adoption of governance and public services. In January, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri met with UAE officials and met with the sole representative to explore blockchain and cryptocurrency plans. The country may soon begin drafting clear regulations to oversee its Web3 ecosystem.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI) has also prepared a national blockchain roadmap outlining the country’s blockchain adoption strategies until 2025. The program highlights applications in asset tracking, document management, workflow automation and other key areas.
