MACC Chief Tan Sri Azam Baki has identified Johor, Selangor, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak as high-priority "gold mines" for economic integrity. Speaking on a popular policy podcast, he clarified that the term refers to states with high economic activity that require strategic intervention to resolve corruption risks. These risks, if left unchecked, could hinder Malaysia's goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2030.

The MACC plans to deploy specialized task forces to these states to monitor large-scale infrastructure projects and government procurement processes. Azam Baki emphasized that the focus is on prevention and systemic reform rather than just making arrests. He urged state governments to cooperate fully by adopting more transparent bidding systems and protecting whistleblowers.

Public reaction has been mixed, with some praising the proactive stance while others demand more immediate results in ongoing high-profile cases. Business leaders have noted that reducing corruption in these key states would significantly boost investor confidence. The MACC's "gold mine" strategy is expected to be a cornerstone of Malaysia’s national anti-corruption plan over the next two years.