KUCHING, Oct 29: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Sarawak has filed a remand order to further investigate three immigration officers suspected of soliciting bribes from a local business owner.
The suspects, two male and a female, aged between 47 and 32, were arrested on Oct 28 and 29, 2024, after allegations of bribery surfaced involving undocumented foreign workers.
The investigation was triggered by a report made on Oct 17, after immigration officers detained five Indonesian workers employed at the complainant’s massage parlor located in Metrocity.
The workers allegedly did not possess valid work permits and were taken to the Immigration Office in Pending for further questioning.
Shortly afterward, the complainant received messages from an immigration officer, identified as “M@jor immigration,” demanding RM5,000 in exchange for leniency, following an initial request for RM3,000.
On Oct 25, the officer allegedly contacted the complainant again, requesting an immediate payment, citing pressure from another officer, “Cip Suriati.”
Further communication ensued, with repeated demands for payment, which the complainant reported to MACC Sarawak.
MACC Sarawak revealed the necessity for further investigation therefore the three suspects were brought to the Magistrate’s Court here today to apply for further remand.
Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah granted the MACC’s request for a four-day remand for the three suspects, extending their detention until Nov 2.
The MACC emphasised the need for additional time to cross-examine key witnesses and corroborate information obtained from searches at locations associated with the case.
The suspects, represented by counsel Ralph Lee, are being held under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009, which covers the solicitation of bribes by public officers. — DayakDaily
