MACC senior director (legal and prosecution) Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said there is a growing misconception that anyone who exposes misconduct is automatically protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.

He said some believe they can post information on social media or speak to the press first and still claim protection.

“The law is clear. Once information is made public before a report is submitted through proper legal channels, the protection no longer applies,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

Wan Shaharuddin said the law requires the whistleblower to act in good faith, without motives such as revenge, personal gain, or defamation.

He said whistleblowers cannot be involved in the offence they report, citing the revocation of protection if they are found complicit under Section 11(1) of the Act.

“This is to ensure that whistleblower status is not used as a shield to escape responsibility. Integrity and intent matter,” he said.

While the Act protects informants from legal repercussions, he said, many still face stigma, fear of reprisals, and a lack of public understanding about how whistleblower protection actually works.

To encourage more reports, especially from civil servants, the government has introduced cash rewards and official recognition for those who report corruption through official channels.

Wan Shaharuddin said as of last year, 514 civil servants had received rewards totalling more than RM1 million, with the highest individual reward amounting to RM100,000.

He also noted that the Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025 was tabled in Parliament on March 6 to expand protections further, including immunity from civil or criminal action and safeguards against harmful retaliation.

With this amendment it is hoped more individuals will come forward to report misconduct without fear, he said.