PETALING JAYA: The Kuala Perlis Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) revealed that the department has been aware of several of its officers receiving “monthly bribes”.
Kuala Perlis maritime zone director Hashim Mat Zain said this is in response to the arrest of two of its enforcement officers by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
He said both enforcement officers had been under his observation for a long time, however, he failed to obtain any proof as eyewitnesses refused to cooperate.
Hashim said that he views the matter seriously and is working closely with the MACC to get rid of the “immoral practice”.
“I have long detected this activity (bribery) since I became Kuala Perlis maritime zone director in 2022,” he told Bernama.
It was previously reported that two MMEA personnel and a fisherman were remanded for six days until Feb 8 to assist in an investigation into a case involving enforcement officers receiving monthly bribes.
“I will not compromise when it comes to MMEA officers and other personnel at the Kuala Perlis maritime zone being involved in criminal activities.”
Meanwhile, an MACC spokesman said more arrests will be made involving MMEA staff and third parties.