Six police officers and personnel, including a retiree, were arrested yesterday as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) widened its probe into alleged bribery linked to police protection for illegal businesses in Penang.
The arrests follow the earlier detention of an active-duty officer suspected of soliciting and receiving about RM27,000 in bribes. The newly arrested individuals include four Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP), one Sergeant, and one retired Sergeant, aged 40s to 60s.
According to sources, the six allegedly received bribes totaling over RM150,000 between 2016 and 2021, in exchange for overlooking illegal activities at entertainment outlets, massage parlours, and gambling operations. Monthly payments reportedly ranged from RM500 to RM2,000 and were transferred via multiple online accounts to conceal the origin of funds.
The six were brought to court around 9am in orange lock-up attire and handcuffs, shielding their faces from cameras. Magistrate Shyahirah Abdul Salim granted a five-day remand for all six, after lawyers successfully appealed to shorten the MACC’s requested one-week remand.
Penang MACC director Datuk Karunanithy Y. Subbiah confirmed the arrests, stating the case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.
