He said this was an increase from 69% in 2023 and 67% in 2022.

Norazlan said in numerous public procurement cases under investigation, most corruption offences are primarily related to abuse of power, bribery, and approval of claims for work or services not entirely fulfilled or supplies not completely delivered.

“All these caused funds for public goods and services to be drained away through overpriced contracts, and the quality of goods and services to be compromised through the use of inferior materials and substandard construction, risking public welfare and safety,” he said at the 10th National Procurement Conference 2024 here today.

He said such corrupt actions have economically and socially detrimental effects, and have led to wasted resources, inefficiencies and missed opportunities, ultimately reducing public trust in the government.

Norazlan said combating corruption involving public procurement has always been one of MACC’s main strategic focusses over the years to prevent leakages and increase the country’s revenue.

Since 2022, he said, MACC’s governance investigation division has made 113 recommendations to government agencies. Sixty-five were made last year and 17 as of July this year.