KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 4): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has suspended the practice of producing suspects to court for remand hearings in orange lock-up jumpsuits.
MACC said in a statement that the decision is in line with recent recommendations on the handling of suspect or persons under investigation, particularly when bringing them before court.
The anti-graft body said suspects are now allowed to wear their own clothes when taken to court, and the orange attire will be worn only when they are held in the lock-up.
On the use of handcuffs, MACC said this will depend on circumstances, and frail, disabled, child or elderly suspects will be not be cuffed.
“However, the MACC will continue to take measured steps to ensure that safety protocols are implemented accordingly throughout the handling of suspects,” said MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman.
The move comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that those assisting MACC investigations should not be required to wear the commission’s lock-up attire, warning that the practice could create negative perceptions before prosecution begins.
In January, businessman Albert Tei Jiann Cheing sued MACC, former MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki and the government over the requirement for suspects to wear the orange attire.
Tei’s originating summons sought a declaration that compelling detainees to wear the attire contravened Articles 5(1) and 8(1) of the Federal Constitution by depriving him of liberty and equality before the law.
He also sought damages for the period he was detained from Nov 28 to Dec 4, 2025, during investigations into alleged bribery to obtain Sabah mining licences.
Tei and Anwar's former aide, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, were brought to court to face bribery charges on Dec 4, 2025.