In a statement, the Sarawak State Secretary’s Office said it had checked the matter with the state police commissioner’s office, Bernama reported.

The office said it was informed that none of the personnel involved had reported for duty.

It also said while the state government welcomed the move to increase the number of police personnel in Sarawak, it hoped that only officers with “high integrity” would be deployed to the state.

“The police welcome the Sarawak government’s suggestion and says the transfer decision will be reviewed by its leadership,” the statement read.

It had been reported that nine policemen, who were being probed for extorting a businessman in Gombak, Selangor, were transferred to Sabah and Sarawak.

Earlier today, Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor said he would seek an explanation over the transfers, adding that he was not informed about it.

He also said such matters should have been brought up to him as he was also the state security committee chairman.

The move was also criticised by Warisan MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis, who said Sabah and Sarawak were not dumping grounds.