THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will seek the assistance of Interpol to track down 10 key witnesses to assist in an investigation into an alleged protection money run by crooked police in Malacca.

MACC chief commissioner Dzulkifli Ahmad said the commission was in the midst of tracking down the individuals believed to have fled the country.

“We are still working on pursuing these key witnesses as they have escaped overseas following a massive swoop on illegal gambling syndicates in Malacca,” he said.

Dzulkifli said the witnesses were needed to facilitate investigations under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing  and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

It was reported that two district police chiefs in Malacca with the ranks of assistant commissioner and deputy superintendent were among individuals detained by the MACC for allegedly taking money from gambling dens and massage parlours in the state in exchange for protection.
 
The commission also arrested two civilians who allegedly acted as the intermediaries between the police and the illegal outlets.

“Prior to this, we had also made press statements to trace them in order to complete the investigations,” he told reporters at the the state-level “Kembara Jelajah Anti Rasuah 2017” campaign in Malacca today.

Yang Dipertua Negeri Mohd Khalil Yaakob flagged off the motorcycle convoy headed for Johor.

Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron and state MACC director Abu Talib Othman were also present. – Bernama, September 19, 2017.