Tourist issue: Investigation not concluded, many witnesses yet to be called, says MACC

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. - THOMAS YONG/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is urging the media not to sensationalise issues surrounding allegations of bribery taking place at the country's entry points.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was referring to a local media portal's report on Saturday (July 8), which claimed that the MACC had found no elements of bribery in its investigation into the case.

"It is too early to conclude the case, it is the sixth day of investigation. There are still witnesses to be called. So we advise the media to not sensationalise the issue by quoting unidentified sources.

"We want a thorough investigation and once completed, we will refer it to the public prosecutor or the Attorney General – then it can be determined if there was an element of bribery or not," he told Bernama.

On Wednesday, Azam said the statements of 14 individuals had been recorded, including the two Chinese nationals; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; eight immigration officers and several other witnesses.

He said the MACC would also investigate parties involved in handling foreigners issued with Not to Land (NTL) notices. – Bernama