A SENIOR Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) official has slammed enforcement officers who use their positions to seek bribes from foreigners in the country.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, in a lengthy post uploaded on the anti-graft agency’s website, described the situation as “increasingly chronic and worrying”.

“A few law enforcers who lack integrity look upon the country’s numerous undocumented migrants, foreign workers and students as a ‘great opportunity’ to solicit bribes from,” he said today.

According to Khusairi, the arrests human traffickers and online scam syndicates in a series of MACC-led operations has proved the severity of the issue, which requires immediate action by the authorities.

“The level of corruption of among law enforcement officers at the front line of national security is seen as increasingly chronic and worrying.

“It’s sad and it’s a bitter pill to swallow, but this is what foreigners often face. This is the reality that is happening, and it is damaging the country’s reputation,” he added.

Khusairi also said corrupt officers solicited bribes at the country’s borders to speed up the exit and entry processes for foreigners who overstay, or those involved in crimes.

“Some are blacklisted or do not meet entry requirements but have been allowed to enter our borders because our officers are corrupt.

“These unscrupulous officers allow the misuse of foreign student visas for the purpose of working, doing business and engaging in immoral activities.

“Some also do the unimaginable by protecting prostitution activities, gambling syndicates, massage parlours, and Macau scam operators,” he added.

Quoting the “Malaysia Boleh” slogan, which was once used to describe the country’s greatness, Khusairi said the phrase was now used to imply that all matters can be resolved by paying bribes. – March 27, 2023.