MACC detains maritime officer to aid probe into protection racket

 

The petty officer is suspected to be involved in soliciting monthly payments from fishermen as an inducement to help their movements at sea.

KANGAR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained another Kedah/Perlis maritime enforcement officer to facilitate investigations into a protection racket.

According to a source, the petty officer, aged 49, was detained at the Langkawi MACC office at 11.35am after he showed up to give his statement.

He is suspected to be involved in soliciting monthly payments from fishermen as an inducement to help their movements at sea.

“He will be released after his statement has been taken. The total number of arrests is currently 15 people,” the source said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

Section 17(a) of the Act stipulates a corporate liability principle where an organisation can be considered guilty if any of its employees commit corruption for the organisation’s benefit.

Perlis MACC director Suzeliyana Hashim confirmed the arrest when contacted. - FMT