According to MACC sources, the suspects, aged between 30 and 50, were arrested between noon and 5pm on Tuesday at several locations in the two areas.

“A preliminary investigation found that the bribes were given from 2016 until now and the transactions involved are believed to amount to RM1 million.

“MACC also confiscated two luxury vehicles and tens of thousands of ringgit in cash,” Bernama quoted the sources as saying.

They said a seven-day remand order for the five suspects, comprising four men and a woman, was issued by the Johor Bahru magistrates’ court yesterday morning.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the arrests and said the case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 for giving or accepting gratification.

Azam said two people arrested earlier in connection with the case have been released on MACC bail.