Three council officers believed to protect illegal businesses nabbed
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested three enforcement officers from the Shah Alam City Council who are believed to have accepted bribes to protect illegal businesses around Sungai Buloh.
The arrests were made when the three, aged between 41 and 49, were summoned to the MACC headquarters for questioning.
Two of the officers were from the council’s office in Sungai Buloh while one was from the headquarters.
Sources said a cigarette smuggler was also arrested. He is believed to be a foreigner who is here without a valid document.
It is learnt that the man who has been operating since 2019 is believed to have been paying certain officials around RM300 a month to avoid arrest.
The suspect will be surrendered to the Immigration authorities for further action.
Sources said the arrests were made following an expose in a viralled video clip which claimed that authorities failed to enforce the law against illegal activities as well as alleged corruption in Sungai Buloh.
“Initial investigations showed that the enforcement officers arrested received between RM300 and RM3,500 a month from business outlets.
“This included eateries operating without licence, sales of illegal cigarettes, premises operating illegal gambling and stalls operating in prohibited areas.
“We also believe some played the role as informers to these illegal businesses should there be an operation,” said a source.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the arrests. He also did not discount the possibility that more arrests will be made and that this was the work of a syndicate among enforcement personnel.
“I urge those with information on corrupt activities among enforcement personnel to alert the MACC. Rest assured that your identity will be fully protected,” he said.
On Monday, the MACC said that it would investigate claims that certain enforcement authorities were on the take and protecting illegal businesses in Sungai Buloh.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had assured that action will be taken against those involved in alleged illegal gambling dens in Sungai Buloh.