Ipoh City Council launches anti-corruption strategy

The Ipoh City Council (MBI) has become Malaysia’s first local authority to introduce a dedicated anti-corruption initiative, the Ipoh City Council Anti-Corruption Strategy (ICCACS), aimed at enhancing governance and promoting integrity across public services.

This move aligns with the Prime Minister’s launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024-2028, reinforcing efforts to curb corruption at all levels of government.

Commitment to integrity and transparency

During the launch event, Ipoh Mayor Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin emphasised the council’s commitment to integrity and thanked the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the State Secretary’s Office of Perak (SUK) for their support.

“Our goal is to transform Ipoh City Council into an exemplary organisation through excellent governance, integrity, and zero tolerance for corruption,” Rumaizi said.

He highlighted that this initiative is aimed at creating a corruption-free Malaysia, urging all MBI staff to uphold these standards.

The strategy is structured around six core areas — Governance, Service Management, Public Services, Urban Planning and Development, Finance and Procurement, and Enforcement — supported by 77 sub-strategies designed by MBI committee members to achieve ICCACS’ goals.

This strategic framework represents a clear commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved service for the people of Ipoh.

Ipoh City Council: Firm action against corruption

The ICCACS vision statement seeks to position MBI as a leader in ethical governance.

Its mission focuses on elevating service quality through best practices and a strong integrity culture within all council departments.

The strategy aims to address power abuse by ensuring that all employees make unbiased decisions free from personal interest.

Corruption, Rumaizi noted, can erode trust and impede effective service delivery, which the council intends to prevent with clear policies and zero tolerance for misconduct.

In addressing concerns around corruption, MBI has outlined strict procedures to handle any cases of fraud, corruption, or misuse of public funds.

The council has assured that any instances of misconduct will face rigorous legal action, with no exceptions.

The ICCACS launch is expected to set a standard in public service integrity, positioning Ipoh as a model for other local authorities.

Through ICCACS, MBI aims to make an impact on public perception, assuring citizens that the council values ethical governance and is proactive in combating corruption.