Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on Friday urged the civil rights commission and other legal bodies to come up with clear and well-defined guidelines on the anti-graft law which went into effect last month amid confusion over interpretation.

"As we are at the early stage, and as around 4 million people are affected by the law, it is natural that some confusion exists," Hwang said during a government meeting to discuss the anti-graft law.

"There are controversies about whether a certain action violates the law. Although the civil rights commission is making efforts, there is insufficient knowledge related to what is permissible and what is not," Hwang added.

Under the so-called Kim Young-ran Law, launched in September, people working for the government, media outlets and schools are banned from receiving meals priced higher than 30,000 won ($27), gifts exceeding 50,000 won, and congratulatory and condolence money over 100,000 won.

The prime minister also said the law should not hinder the civil servants from working actively, as it is not intended to do so.

"The law aims to establish a transparent society," the top policymaker said, urging related governmental bodies to bolster their understanding of the law so people can carry out their duties with enthusiasm. (Yonhap)