The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested 73 people, charged 42 in court after opening 79 investigation papers related to corruption, from January until October.

Sarawak MACC director Datuk Badrul Shah Norman said the number indicated an increase compared to 59 arrests in 2014 and 67 arrests last year.

The 23 arrested this year were civil servants, comprising four people from the management and professional group, and 19 from the support group.

"The rest comprised of enforcement division personnel, private sector company officers and the public," he said at an integrity event with heads of departments and the media at Dewan Sri Bunga Rampai, here last night.

Badrul said of the 300 complaints received, the MACC opened 79 investigation papers while 73 investigation papers were opened from 234 complaints and 72 charges were made throughout 2014.

"A total 396 complaints were received last year which was an increase over the previous year. Of the total, 85 investigation papers were opened, 67 arrests were made and 35 charges were made." -- Bernama