![[UPDATED] 32 RTD officers among 44 nabbed by MACC over lorry-protection ring](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/March_2021/_large/RTD_officers_arrested_-_march_16_2021_-_sofia_pic.JPG)
KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested 44 individuals, including 32 Road Transport Department (RTD) officers and a former traffic policeman, in relation to a syndicate protecting lorry drivers.
These drivers have traffic offences for overloaded cargo and violating RTD regulations.
In two years, it is learnt that RM1.64 million has changed hands.
Some of the RTD officers arrested are seniors. Others nabbed in the nationwide operation, known as Op Sukat, are members of the public.
The operation was carried out in five states: Kedah, Penang, Perak, Perlis and Melaka.
This morning, three RTD officers were brought to the Penang magistrates’ court to be remanded.
A four-day remand order was granted by assistant registrar Muhammad Azam Md Eusoff.
In Melaka, Bernama reported that 11 people, including seven RTD officers, were remanded between five and seven days by the Ayer Keroh magistrates’ court in relation to the same syndicate.
The state MACC, in a statement, said among the suspects are four civilians aged between 23 and 57, believed to have acted as proxies.
According to sources, the syndicate’s modus operandi includes officers not taking action against errant lorry operators after receiving bribes deposited into their own or proxies’ bank accounts on a monthly basis.
“They are believed to have received about RM150 to RM3,000 a month between 2019 and 2020, totalling RM1.64 million.”
MACC chief Datuk Seri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests to The Vibes.
He said the operation is the result of cooperation between MACC and RTD, especially the director-general and RTD’s integrity division.
The investigation is ongoing, he said, adding that he is not ruling out the possibility that there will be more arrests soon.
“The objective of the investigation is to focus on corruption offences under Sections 16 and 17 of the MACC Act 2009, as well as issues of misconduct. We are trying to wrap up the investigation as soon as possible.” – The Vibes, March 16, 2021
