Combatting corruption: Educating all ages is key

SHAH ALAM - One way to prevent corruption from continuing to spread is by raising awareness, providing education and conducting comprehensive and effective campaigns involving all age groups.

Kedah Rasuah Busters Supreme Council member said that people often justified that the issue of corruption should only be understood and discussed at the adult level.

He said such attitudes cause Malaysians to be slow in understanding and internalising the negative impact of practising corruption or abusing power.

"The campaign to eradicate this problem may begin at the primary school level through formal learning mediums in classrooms by creating special modules to understand issues related to corruption.

"In addition, it can also be instilled through co-curricular activities by introducing Rasuah Busters clubs and implementing periodic programmes in schools that can attract the interest of children and teenagers.

"Moreover, parents, who are the individuals closest to their children, also play an important role by setting a good example at home," he told Sinar recently.

He said this when asked to comment on media reports about two youths suspected of being members of an online loan fraud syndicate who were brought before the Ayer Keroh magistrate's court, Melaka, on separate charges of giving and conspiring to give bribes amounting to RM60,000 to a senior police officer to avoid action in 2023.

Meanwhile, Syahir also advised the public not to cultivate the habit of giving or receiving bribes, as it is feared it will become a common practice in society in this country.

"Let us continue to promote the anti-corruption campaign by providing support and cooperation in its success.

"Hopefully, Malaysia will one day be corruption-free with an educated society and high self-esteem," he said.