KUALA LUMPUR — The MACC has clarified that only those who report misconduct directly to enforcement agencies and follow proper procedures are eligible for legal protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.

MACC Legal Division Director Datuk Wan Shaharuddin explained that protection is granted only if reports are made in good faith to agencies like the MACC or police—not to the media or social media.

He added that whistleblowers must not be involved in the wrongdoing they report, or their protection may be revoked.

While the law offers safeguards, whistleblowers still face social stigma and fear of retaliation. To encourage more reports, especially from civil servants, the government has offered cash rewards since 2011—over RM1 million has been paid to 514 individuals so far.

A proposed amendment to the Act, tabled in March 2025, aims to expand protections, including shielding whistleblowers from harmful actions and legal consequences.