MANTIN, MALAYSIA: The Anti-Corruption Agency is expected to recruit an additional 5,000 officers over the next five years, with the majority to be deployed in operations and intelligence.

ACA director-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan said the agency did not have enough personnel despite the 100 officers recruited this year.

It is understood the government has approved the additional recruitment.

There are currently 82 officers undergoing training in Malacca.

"We are expecting 900 new officers next year," he said

The new officers are expected to be deployed in the 11 divisions of the ACA, with the majority being sent to the operations and intelligence divisions.

"Every report received by the ACA is investigated to determine whether it is a genuine case. We have received many hoaxes brought on by envy and jealousy," said Said.

"For example, if someone sees his colleague driving a new car and is envious, he makes a anonymous complaint to the ACA.

"This uses up precious time and manpower which could be directed at genuine cases.

"Complaints have also been received from people who belived rumours heard in coffee shops and report it." --NST