The Independent Commission Against Corruption has earned its highest public approval rating in a decade, according to an annual survey.

About 73.8% of 1,504 respondents interviewed by phone in October and November said the anti-graft body is effective in fighting corruption - its highest rating in 10 years. About 98.5% of interviewees backed the agency and its work.

A professional research company conducted the poll. The results found Hong Kong was generally seen to be a clean society with 68.6% of people believing corruption was uncommon while 77.5% expected less corruption or a steady graft situation in the coming year.

The vast majority, 96.3%, said they or their friends and relatives had not encountered corruption in the past year. Only a record low of 2.3% suggested otherwise.

Impartial probe

While 72.5% indicated their willingness to report corruption, 71.2% said they were ready to reveal their identity when doing so.

About 90.4% of the interviewees believed reports made to the commission were kept confidential while 76.4% believed the agency was impartial in conducting investigations.

On the body's job priority, about 43.2% said it should dedicate efforts to fighting graft in both the public and the private sectors while 32.1% said priority should be given to tackling business corruption.

Appropriate supervision

About 81.1% felt the current level of power the commission enjoys was appropriate and 64.2% said it does not abuse its power.

Of those aware the body was subject to external supervision, 56.5% considered the supervision was appropriate.

The commission said the survey's results are encouraging, adding it will combat corruption impartially and rigorously through an integrated approach of detection, prevention and education.

Click here for the poll findings.