Empowering SDG 16 Through Forensic Excellence: Investigative Traits Through the Lens of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Royal Malaysian Police

Objectives: To identify the forensic investigation traits essential for forensic investigation officers, focusing on five key qualities: investigative skills, digital techniques, knowledge, discipline, and teamwork among forensic investigators, using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Method: This study used semi-structured interviews with nine forensic investigation officers, four from the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) and five from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The interview data were summarised thematically into the five categories. Structured questionnaires were distributed to 103 forensic investigation officers. Findings: Two of the five hypotheses, specifically the skills (p-value = 0.003) and discipline (p-value = 0.014), demonstrated a significant positive relationship with the forensic investigation process. This suggests that enhanced skills and a strong sense of discipline directly contribute to more successful investigative outcomes. Conversely, the investigation of digital techniques (p-value = 0.185), knowledge (p-value = 0.305), and teamwork (p-value = 0.996) showed no significant relationship, suggesting that these attributes may not directly affect the investigation process. However, quantitatively, most of the interviewees emphasised that all five key qualities are important for forensic investigation officers to possess. As a result, this study enriches the existing body of knowledge in the forensic field to improve performance, quality of skills, and the disciplined approach taken by forensic investigator officers. Novelty: This study contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 by emphasising the role of the forensic investigation process in enhancing accountability, transparency, and integrity within institutions. By identifying the essential professional qualities required of forensic investigators, the study offers practical insights into how effective forensic investigations support the enforcement of the rule of law and the prevention of financial crimes, thereby fostering more accountable and trustworthy institutions. Keywords: Ethics, Knowledge, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Professional traits, Royal Malaysian Police, Skills