GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained two enforcement personnel on suspicion of soliciting and accepting a RM1,000 bribe.
The money was an inducement so that they do not arrest a foreigner for selling untaxed cigarettes.
Sources said the two men, in their 30s, were detained about 2am while having their statements recorded at the MACC branch office in Seberang Prai.
Following the arrests, the duo were brought to the magistrate's court here for remand.
The MACC managed to obtain a five-day remand order against the duo.
"The two are suspected to have solicited bribe money from a foreigner, the complainant in the case, for selling untaxed cigarettes.
"One of them had solicited RM2,000 so as not to arrest the foreigner. He agreed to accept RM1,000 with two cartons of cigarettes.
"Both men are also suspected to have solicited monthly payments from the foreigner," the source said.
State MACC director Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah, when contacted, confirmed the arrests.
He said the case is being probed under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.