Latest news with #KelantanMalaysianAnti-CorruptionCommission
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- New Straits Times
Syndicates use quiet Kelantan border to sneak in foreign workers
KOTA BARU: The "flying passport" ruse persists in Kelantan, but on a smaller scale, an Immigration source said. Despite being separated from Thailand by the shallow Sungai Golok, the source said the ruse was detected only at one of the three checkpoints in the state. Kelantan has three entry points along the Thai border: Rantau Panjang, Pengkalan Kubor in Tumpat and Bukit Bunga in Tanah Merah. "However, two of these checkpoints, Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubor, are always busy with cross-border trade and travel. "They are less likely to be used by syndicate members due to the high traffic volume and enforcement presence. "Instead, syndicate members opt for the Bukit Bunga Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex, which is located in a quieter area and receives less scrutiny." The source said local agents were usually the facilitators of the syndicate, working with Thais employed in Malaysia, particularly in eateries and restaurants. "Thais working in Malaysia engage local agents. "These agents deliver the workers' passports to Immigration officers and have them stamped without the passport holders being present. "Some of these officers are believed to have been cooperating with the agents for years." While the scale of the "flying passport" ruse in Kelantan may not rival that of Johor or other border states, enforcement sources said it remained a serious breach of Immigration protocols and national security. Kelantan Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) director Azmin Yusoff said no reports had been received about border enforcement officers' involvement in the ruse. "We, however, urge members of the public to come forward with information." Azmin, however, said three Immigration officers were detained by the state MACC in the first six months of this year, including those assigned to the Kelantan-Thailand border. He said the three were among the 21 enforcement officers arrested since 2022 for soliciting and receiving bribes.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- New Straits Times
MACC detains two foreigners over RM200 bribe attempt
KOTA BARU: Two foreigners were detained by the Kelantan Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly attempting to bribe a police personnel in Tumpat this morning. Sources said the two men, aged 25 and 27, were believed to have offered RM200 in cash to the police officer during a patrol inspection. The sources said the two who were detained at the state MACC office at about 1.30am. "The bribe was allegedly offered to persuade the police officer not to carry out checks on them. "The officer, however, rejected the offer and handed over the two foreigners to MACC officers," a source told NST. Kelantan MACC director Rosli Husain when contacted confirmed the arrest.
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Senior enforcement officer nabbed for allegedly accepting cash, valuable items worth RM14,000
KOTA BARU: A senior enforcement officer was arrested by the Kelantan Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today for allegedly receiving valuable items and cash amounting to RM14,000 from a contractor. Sources said the 40-year-old man was detained after giving his statement at the state MACC office around 1pm. "MACC officers detained the man after he completed giving his statement to investigators," the source said. The arrest was reportedly made following a complaint lodged by the contractor several months ago. The case is being investigated under Section 165 of the Penal Code for accepting a valuable item without adequate consideration, potentially with corrupt intent, by a public servant. It is understood that the officer previously served in the Machang district but was transferred to another state a few years ago. Kelantan MACC director Rusli Husain confirmed the arrest.
