Malaysia Investigates Corruption of a Plisi Officer Who Received Bribes from a Boss of a Entertainment Center

JAKARTA - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating corruption involving police officers in George Town, Penang, Malaysia, for allegedly receiving bribes for the protection of entertainment venues.

The law enforcement officer was detained on suspicion of receiving a bribe of RM27,000 or the equivalent (Rp112 million) in return for not taking action against two company owners who violated laws such as entertainment centers, massage parlors, and illegal gambling.

The four-day detention order until January 16 against the suspect was issued by Judge Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi after an application was made by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in court.

"The preliminary investigation believes that the suspect committed the act between 2016 and 2021 by receiving bribes between RM500 and RM2,000 per month. The suspect is suspected of receiving bribes through online money transfer transactions to the accounts of third parties from the owners of licensed lending companies and owners of health services companies," said the judge as reported by ANTARA from Bernama, Tuesday, January 13.

Meanwhile, the Director of MACC Penang, Datuk S. Karunanithy, confirmed the arrest and said the case was being investigated under Article 17 (a) of the MACC Act 2009.

This investigation adds to the list of corruption cases handled by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission against corruption cases committed by officers in law enforcement institutions.

Currently, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is also investigating a military procurement case that is suspected to involve a number of high-ranking and/or former high-ranking military officials in the country.