MACC arrests 31, including RTD officers

PUTRAJAYA: MACC have arrested 31 people including officers with the Road Transport Department believed to be protecting lorry drivers who have committed road offences in Penang.

Those arrested include 23 enforcement offices from the Penang JPJ.

The arrests were made at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office in Penang between 10am and 4pm on Tuesday (April 16).

According to sources, eight people arrested were civilians who are proxies, middlemen and owners of companies.

Sources also said the enforcement officers were believed to have received monthly payment, totalling between RM10,000 and RM32,000.

“The payment is as an inducement not to take action against lorry drivers who committed road offences.

“The payment is also for tip offs, which the companies and drivers receive to alert them on JPJ operations,” said a source.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki, who confirmed the arrests, said this major operation was conducted by MACC officers from the headquarters, with the assistance from its Penang office.

“We had conducted surveillance on their activities for a few months and have also received information and tip offs from the public,” he said.

The MACC will bring those arrested to the Magistrate Court in Georgetown to obtain a remand order.