New Sabah MACC Building Ready By Year-end

KOTA KINABALU, June 16 (Bernama) -- The new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) building in Sabah, located at Jalan Sepanggar here, has reached 90 per cent completion and is expected to be fully completed by the end of this year.

MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the new facility will consolidate all Sabah MACC personnel currently operating from three separate offices under one roof.

He said having a dedicated headquarters is important in strengthening the agency’s institutional standing and supporting its role as an independent and impartial enforcement body.

“This means we need to have our own building because it provides a solid platform for us to carry out our responsibilities and perform our duties as a truly independent and impartial institution,” he said in an interview with Bernama and TV3 after visiting the Sabah MACC Office at the Federal Government Administration Complex Building yesterday,

Also present was Sabah MACC Director Datuk Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah.

According to Abd Halim, centralising operations in a single location will improve communication among officers and enhance coordination in operational, administrative and technical matters.

Meanwhile, he expressed appreciation to media organisations for their continued cooperation and balanced reporting on matters involving MACC.

He said the media’s role complements MACC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen integrity and support the nation’s aspiration towards a corruption-free environment.

At the same time, Abd Halim reminded media practitioners to remain mindful when reporting cases by protecting the identity and dignity of third parties, particularly individuals who are still undergoing legal proceedings and have not been found guilty.

“Avoid publishing images of suspects because they remain suspects and have not yet been convicted,” he said.

He also urged journalists to practise responsible reporting by obtaining information from verified and legitimate sources to ensure accuracy and credibility.

This, he said, is important to avoid creating negative perceptions and prevent the spread of provocative or speculative reporting.

“Ensure that the news published is authentic and accurate. Do not allow it to become a source of speculation for any party. Make sure the information is genuine, true and verified,” he said.

-- BERNAMA