The 37-year-old suspect, attached to the Intelligence Unit (North Zone) at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, was arrested in Machang Bubok, Bukit Mertajam, at 10pm on Friday, Malay daily Harian Metro reported.

Central Seberang Prai police chief Asst Comm Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said the suspect had allegedly asked the police officer to pay him RM3,000 monthly, or risk being arrested by the MACC, reported The Star.

The suspect is alleged to have solicited hush money from the unidentified policeman who is said to have protected a gambling racket for the past two years.

“Police seized RM3,000 in cash, the suspect’s identification card, his MACC enforcement identification bearing his name, a Volkswagen Polo sedan, a blue sling bag and an iPhone,” Nik Ros Azhan was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion.

The suspect arrived at the Bukit Mertajam Magistrate’s Court at about 9.20am today to be remanded.

Magistrate Nurulrasyidah Mohd Akit granted the remand order for three days until Monday.

The MACC, in a statement today, said there would be no compromise even if any of its officers were involved.

The commission also said it welcomed the police investigation and promised it would not interfere.

It said it would conduct internal checks on all officers to prevent a repeat in future.