The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has called on individuals alleging they were forced to pay “protection money” during enforcement operations at the Selayang Wholesale Market to file official reports to enable a full investigation.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Seri Azam Baki said accusations made only through media or social platforms cannot resolve long-standing claims that traders have been compelled to pay enforcement personnel.
“This may appear as a new issue in the media, but it is an old allegation. I urge those making these claims to come forward to MACC,” he said, adding that whistleblowers are protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act.
Speaking after the MACC–UiTM Inspirasi 2025: Integrity and Leadership Day event at UiTM Puncak Alam, Azam stressed that broad public allegations without evidence are unfair to enforcement agencies.
“If they only speak to the media or social media, the issue will never be resolved. Making general accusations is not fair,” he said.
Azam said the commission will not open an investigation paper without accurate and verifiable information from complainants, emphasising fairness to both those accused of receiving bribes and those alleged to have offered them.
Claims of protection-money payments resurfaced online recently following a major Dec 7 enforcement operation at the Selayang Wholesale Market, where 843 undocumented migrants including 35 women were detained for various immigration offences. Selangor
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari joined the operation in his capacity as State Security Committee chairman.
