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Azam also said the transition to a cashless system helped reduce corruption and mismanagement of public funds, Bernama reported.
“A system like this ensures that subsidies, welfare and salaries are transferred directly to beneficiaries without intermediaries, thus reducing the risk of corruption,” he was quoted as saying.
In August last year, MACC said 70% of the complaints received by the anti-graft agency for the first seven months of 2024 were related to public procurement.
In 2023, the percentage stood at 69%, while in 2022 it was 67%.
Separately, Azam said the MACC was integrating blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations and investigations to combat increasingly sophisticated corruption tactics.
Azam said technological advancements had made it more difficult to tackle corruption-related crimes, including cryptocurrency fraud.
However, he said blockchain technology ensures immutable transaction records, while AI enhances data analytics, enabling the detection of fraud patterns and financial irregularities.
Azam also said MACC officers were now equipped with advanced forensic tools and analytical data software. They were also provided specialised training in finance, accounting, engineering and technology.
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