JOHOR BAHRU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Johor has detained five people, including three immigration officers, on suspicion of soliciting and accepting bribes in exchange for facilitating the illegal entry of foreign nationals into the country.
According to an MACC source, the suspects comprise four men and a woman, aged 35 to 46.
The three immigration officers work at Senai International Airport (LTAS), while the two civilians were detained between 5pm and 11pm yesterday, one at the Johor MACC office and the other in Larkin, here.
The source said periodic integrity compliance inspections by the Johor immigration department’s integrity unit at LTAS revealed several WhatsApp messages on the officers’ mobile phones indicating gratification.
SPONSORED CONTENT Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year. Read more “The text messages contained the offer and acceptance of bribes from foreigners seeking entry into Malaysia through the immigration officers without going through the proper process and procedures, in accordance with the standing instruction of the director-general of immigration No. 03 of 2019 and the Immigration Act 1956/63,” the source said today.
Johor MACC director Azmi Alias confirmed the arrest and said the case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 for giving or accepting gratification by agents.
He said the suspects would appear before a Johor Bahru magistrate today, where MACC would apply for a remand order.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.