ANALYSIS OF CORRUPTION FACTORS AND THE CHALLENGES OF DEALING WITH IT IN

Abstract

Corruption among public and private workers has become a hot debate issue in foreign countries as well as Malaysia. According to a report by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM), the statistics on the number of arrests from 2014 to 2021 has increased sharply to 205 percent, which is equivalent to 552 cases to 1125 cases. Malaysia has recorded a loss of almost RM 1.8 Trillion due to corrupt practices. Various measures and initiatives to prevent corruption in Malaysia have been taken by the government but reports on corruption continue to rise and show no reduction. The main thing to emphasize before creating the best method of prevention is to identify what is the cause of the problem. Thus, this article aims to analyze the factors that contribute to corrupt activities and the challenges faced by Malaysia in dealing with them. This qualitative study uses documentation and observation methods in the data collection process. Results of the study found that internal factors that cause a person to commit corruption are the existence of opportunities, personal weaknesses and lack of integrity. While external factors are due to low wages, financial stress and work pressure as well as ineffective national policies. The use of technology by perpetrators to prevent corrupt activities from being detected, interference and lack of cooperation from politicians as well as lack of public support and confidence are challenges faced by the government and anti-corruption agencies in tackling corruption in Malaysia. It is hoped that this study can be used as a reference and guide the authorities in curbing corruption while ensuring the community and individuals in the office are free from the symptoms of corruption.