FIFTEEN police officers from Malacca will be moved out of the state in a reshuffle exercise after the MACC threw open the lid on a protection racket involving gambling dens and illegal massage parlours.

Among those affected in this exercise are the Melaka Tengah and Jasin district police chiefs (OCPD) who will be moved to the Federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar who had a meeting with top Malacca police officers this evening said the transfers include the two OCPDs and seven other officers who were arrested by the MACC.

It is learnt that apart from the nine who were arrested, several other officers from the state’s anti-vice and gambling division were also involved in the reshuffle.

“The two OCPDs were transferred out immediately after their arrests. They have been transferred to Bukit Aman. Two officers from Bukit Aman will be replacing them. They are to report for duty next week,” said Khalid.

On illegal gaming dens and massage parlours in the state, Khalid urge the Malacca government and city council to also play their roles to stop such activities.

He said the city council has the authority to shut down premises that have violated local council regulations.

“There is no need to give them time until end of the year to close their businesses, if they have been found to have not met the requirement or have misused the licenses given, their premises should be closed down,” he said.

He said that the concerned parties should also stop giving out licenses to family entertainment outlet.

“Lets just not give out the licenses. It can be misused. Even before we do not support such applications,” said Khalid.

Although local councils have the jurisdiction to approve such licenses, they need police feedback before making a decision.

But even without police consent, local councils can still approve such applications as it is within their jurisdiction.

Malacca police became the topic of the town over the last two weeks after two of its district police chiefs were arrested for allegedly protecting illegal gambling dens and massage parlours.

Also detained were two CID chiefs from the Melaka Tengah and Alor Gajah districts.

They were among 13 picked up by MACC to facilitate investigation into the protection racket.

MACC so far seized RM1.44 million in cash and money in the suspects’ bank accounts.

One suspect was arrested with RM800,000 hidden in his storeroom. – May 26, 2017.