GEORGE TOWN: All six policemen, arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) early Friday morning for alleged corruption, have been released.
State MACC director Datuk Abdul Aziz Aban said they were released on MACC bail at about 9pm the same day.
"They are being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 for soliciting and accepting bribe, which carries a maximum 20 years’ jail and fine of RM10,000 or five times the bribe amount, whichever is higher, upon conviction," he said when contacted.
Acting state police chief Datuk Roslee Chik had said that police have cooperated with MACC on the case and that further investigations were being conducted.
"Stern action would be taken against the six policemen if (they are) found guilty," he was quoted as saying.
At about 2am yesterday, the rank and file policemen – a sergeant, three corporals and two lance corporals – aged between 28 and 49 were picked up along with a 28-year-old civilian.
A source said the policemen had earlier raided a house in Paya Terubong and had detained two men for possession of ketum.
The source said the self-employed civilian had acted as a middleman between the policemen and the two men detained.
"The policemen allegedly agreed to accept about RM4,500 bribe (for the release the two men)."
It was learned MACC had made the arrest after a tip-off.