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  • INTEGRITY UNIT

    Integrity Unit of Universiti Sains Malaysia (Integrity@USM) has been in operation since 15 January 2014. Integrity@USM was setup under the Pekeliling Perkhidmatan No. 6 of 2013 as an integrity-based management focal point, independent component and internal control mechanism to the University. The Integrity@USM plays pivotal role in managing and implementing initiatives to institutionalise integrity, prevention, compliance, detection of misconduct within USM ecosystem.

    Integrity@USM supports and advocates the USM Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) related to the principles and pledges in curbing organised crime, bribery and corruption as promoted under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

    objectives

    • To be recognised as the champion of integrity and good governance.
    • To ensure zero corruption in the university ecosystem.
    • To ensure that complaints are managed in a fair, objective, and truth-oriented manner.

    Hover Function Navigator

    FUNCTIONS

    GOVERNANCE

    Ensure the University best governance is implemented.

    FUNCTION 1

    COMPLIANCE

    Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

    FUNCTION 2

    Complaints Management

    Receive and act on all complaints/ information on criminal misconduct as well as violations of University's Code of Conduct and Ethics.

    FUNCTION 3

    STRENGTHENING INTEGRITY

    Cultivating and implementation of integrity programmes into the University ecosytem.

    FUNCTION 4

    DETECTION & VERIFICATION

    Detects and verifies complaints of criminal misconduct as well as violations of the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics and ensures appropriate follow-up action is taken. Report criminal misconduct to the responsible enforcement agency.

    FUNCTION 5

    Integrity Pledge

    The Integrity pledge shows the commitment of USM staffs to practice the highest values of integrity and to combat corruption.

     USM Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan

    USM Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP) is a fundamental anti-corruption long plan strategy towards the commitment of the University to curb and fight the root of the corruption and integrity misconduct for the well-being of the University. USM OACP is in line with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS). USM OACP 2023-2027 streamlined the University’s strategies to increase the efficiency of service delivery and to develop transparency and accountability of public procurement and good governance.

  • Integrity@USM TEAM

    1. Dr. Khairul Anuar Bin Che Azmi, Legal Adviser
    2. Mr. Mohd Izwan Bin Hamdan, Deputy Legal Adviser
    3. Dr. Mohd Rodzi Bin Ahmad, Investigation Officer
    4. Mrs. Noreen Afzan Binti Roslan, Senior Administrative Executive
    5. Mr. Megat Muhammad Badrul Hisyam Bin Ismail, Assistant Administrative
    ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED INTEGRITY OFFICERS (ACeIO)

    Dr. Khairul Anuar Che Azmi is the Penang State Chairman for the Association of Certified Integrity Officer since 2020.  Recently, Dr. Mohd Rodzi Bin Ahmad is also a registered member of ACeIO started from November 2025.

    COUNCIL OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITY INTEGRITY OFFICERS

    Integrity@USM is the members of the Council of Public University Integrity Officers or known as Majlis Pegawai Integriti Universiti Awam (MPIUA). The Council has been formed on 4 July 2019 to unite all the UI of the public universities.


  • GOVERNANCE COMMITEE

    Governance Committee or known as Jawatankuasa Tatakelola (JTKe) USM is a committee that replaced the former Anti-Corruption Committee. The forming of JTKe USM is to strengthen the system of university administration in which based on the document of Prime Minister's Directive No. 1 Year 2023, named the National Good Governance Strengthening Movement (Gerakan Pemantapan Tatakelola Nasional).

    MEMBERS OF COMMITEE

    • Vice-Chancellor - Chairman 
    Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industrial & Community Network)
    Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation)
    Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International)
    Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students Development Affairs & Alumni)
    Director of Health Campus
    Director of Engineering Campus
    Registrar
    Bursar
    Chief Librarian
    Legal Adviser
    Ombudsman
    Director of Hospital Pakar USM
    Director of Advance Dental & Medical Institute
    Director of Sports & Recreation Centre
    Chief Digital Officer
    Director of Development & Facility Management Department
    Director of Media and Public Relations Centre
    Director of Security Department
    Head of Internal Audit
    Integrity Unit - Secretariat

    TERM OF REFERENCES

    • Institutional, Policy and Law Reforms.
    • Work Systems and Procedures.
    • Monitoring and Evaluation; and
    • Cultivation of Value Practices and
      Good Governance.
  • Categories of Cases Handled

    CATEGORIES OF CASES HANDLED

    YOU SEE IT, YOU HEAR IT, YOU REPORT IT

    How to lodge complaints

    Any person can lodge any complaints related misconduct and irregularities committed by any USM Staffs and Students.

    You can file your complaint to us using four channels:

    Write in to (email)

    Please click on email address link below:

    EMAIL
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    or 

    Scan QR Code below to email:

    Walk-in or write (letter) to

    Unit Integriti
    Pejabat Perundangan Universiti
    Aras 1, Bangunan E42, Canselori 2
    Universiti Sains Malaysia
    11800 USM
    Pulau Pinang

    Please Scan QR Code for our location (Google Map).

    Call us at

    • 04-653 6416 Dr. Mohd Rodzi Ahmad
    • 04-653 6595 Pn. Noreen Afzan Roslan

    FILL IN (INTEGRITY COMPLAINT FORM)

    To fill in the form, please click on the box:

    QUALITY COMPLAINT

    The complaint should contains:

    • When the incident happened?
    • When the violation was committed?
    • Who was involved?
    • What type of violation took place?
    • How violation was conducted?

    Whistleblower Protection

    Informers shall be protected by USM Whistleblower Protection Policy or Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 [Act 711].


  • November 3, 2025

    INTEGRITY DAY USM 2025

    Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) marked its Integrity Day 2025 with a renewed commitment to strengthening ethical governance, transparency, and accountability across the university ecosystem. The annual celebration, organised by the USM Integrity Unit, brought together academic leaders, administrative staff, students, and strategic partners to reinforce the institution’s role as a model of integrity-driven governance in Malaysian higher education.

    The event was conducted at Tuanku Syed Putra Hall with the theme "Integriti Teras Kesejahteraan Negara". 


    July 23, 2025

    University Drug Free Workplace program

    In conjunction with University Drug Free Workplace, Integrity Unit visited Pusat Pemulihan Penagihan Narkotik (PUSPEN), Bukit Mertajam, Penang for social responsibility program. The program consists of motivational talks by Puan Faudziah Abdullah, Senior Psychology Officer USM to all the PUSPEN residents. This program was supported by National Anti-Drugs Agency.

    PUSPEN Bukit Mertajam, Penang is one of centre that provides voluntary drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation pursuant to Section 8(3)(a) of the Drug Dependants (Treatment & Rehabilitation) Act 1983. This centre offers great facilities to any welcoming drug users, abusers, or addicts for treatment.


    Jun 11, 2025

    Program on Governance, Integrity, and Anti-Corruption Strengthening Module

    Program on Governance, Integrity, and Anti-Corruption Strengthening Module has been delivered to the Senior Officers USM to enhance the knowledge on aspect of governance, integrity dan anti corruption. This program was collaborated with Penang MACC.


  • Empowering Youth

    Realising the importance of power of youth impact, UI@USM has been mandated to inspire, engage or empower USM's students towards sustainability and leadership capacity in fighting corruption and uphold integrity values. Thus, through Angkatan Mahasiswa Anti Rasuah or AMAR and Sekretariat Rakan Integriti Malaysia (SRIM), UI@USM worked closely with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to supervise the empowerment of youth activism on integrity and corruption. AMAR and SRIM are the medium for youth to inculcate good values, prevent corruption and abuse of power among students. Ideally, AMAR has fostered the formation of anti-corruption groups, which undertake activities ranging from campaigns to policy advocacy within and beyond campuses. 

  • False Claims and The Remedies

    False claims refer to any submission of information, documents, or declarations that are knowingly false, misleading, or fabricated for the purpose of obtaining financial benefits, academic advantage, or administrative approval. Common examples include inflated travel claims, fictitious procurement invoices, false attendance records, and misrepresentation in research-related documentation.


    False claims are serious offences governed by several laws. Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009 criminalises the act of providing false documents to mislead a principal, while the Penal Code addresses cheating, forgery, and false statements. Additionally, the Financial Procedure Act 1957 treats false financial claims as a breach of financial discipline. These provisions ensure that misconduct involving public funds is met with firm legal consequences.


    Remedies for false claims in public universities operate at multiple levels. Legally, offenders may face criminal prosecution, fines, imprisonment, or restitution of misappropriated funds. Administratively, universities may impose disciplinary action, including suspension, demotion, or termination of service. Institutions also strengthen internal controls through audits, verification processes, digital claim systems, and segregation of duties to prevent manipulation. Preventive measures such as integrity training, awareness programmes, and whistleblowing channels further support a culture of transparency and accountability.


    Ultimately, addressing false claims is essential to safeguarding public resources, maintaining institutional credibility, and upholding the integrity values expected of Malaysia’s higher education sector.

    5 Key Rules on Gifts in the Public Service

     

    Avoid High-Value Gifts

    Gifts in the form of cash, shares, luxury items, or anything of significant value are strictly prohibited. They can be considered bribery or inducements for personal gain.

     

    Small Tokens Are Allowed with Conditions

    Examples: plaques, pens, books, or promotional items. These are acceptable only if they do not create a conflict of interest or negative perception.

     

    No Gifts from Parties with Official Dealings

    Gifts from individuals or organizations that have business or official dealings with the department are not allowed. Exceptions can only be made with the approval of the Head of Department.

     

    Record All Gift Acceptance

    Any gift received must be recorded in the department’s official register. This ensures transparency, accountability, and prevents misunderstandings.

     

    Practice the “No Gift Policy”

    Public servants are encouraged to politely decline gifts, even if offered “sincerely.” This policy helps safeguard integrity and the image of the public service.

    In the public service, gifts are not just symbols of appreciation — they can become integrity issues if misused. The guiding principles are intention, value, and context. Pekeliling Perkhidmatan Bilangan 3 Tahun 1998 and updated MyPPSM Ceraian UP.7.2.5 set out the guidelines on gifts for public servants. The guidelines regulate the giving and receiving of gifts, hospitality, and sponsorships to ensure integrity, prevent conflicts of interest, and avoid situations that could be construed as bribery.

    Act 605 and Public Universities in Malaysia: Ensuring Accountability and Integrity

     

    Public universities in Malaysia are statutory bodies established by law and funded by the government. As custodians of significant public resources, they must operate with transparency and accountability. To safeguard these principles, the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000 (Act 605) provides a legal framework for discipline and financial responsibility among officers of statutory bodies, including universities.

     

    What is Act 605?

     

    The Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000 governs two main areas:

    (1) Disciplinary Control: Establishes procedures for handling misconduct among officers.

    (2) Surcharge Mechanism: Allows recovery of financial losses caused by negligence or misconduct.

     

    By applying these provisions, Act 605 ensures that statutory bodies, including universities, uphold integrity and safeguard public funds.

     

    Disciplinary Control

    Universities form disciplinary committees to investigate misconduct among staff. Misconduct may include insubordination, breach of regulations, misuse of resources, or unethical behaviour. Penalties range from suspension and demotion to dismissal. Example: Lecturer misusing research funds may face disciplinary action under Act 605.

     

    Financial Accountability

    Officers can be surcharged for financial losses caused by negligence or improper actions. Losses may involve unauthorized payments, damage to property, or mismanagement of funds. The surcharge is treated as a debt owed to the university. Example: If a university officer approves payments without proper authorization, the loss can be recovered directly from that officer.

     

    The Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000 (Act 605) is a cornerstone of governance in Malaysia’s public universities. By combining disciplinary measures with financial accountability, it ensures that these institutions operate with integrity and responsibility. However, its application must strike a balance between accountability and academic freedom, allowing universities to thrive as centres of knowledge and innovation.

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